Bone stabilization systems

ABSTRACT

An aiming guide system configured for connection to a bone plate including an aiming arm and a connection assembly. The aiming arm has a rigid body extending from a proximal end to a distal end with a plurality of aiming holes defined through the rigid body between the proximal end and the distal end thereof. The distal end defines an attachment slot through the body. The connection assembly is configured to engage an attachment screw hole of the bone plate and the attachment slot such that the aiming arm is fixed in position relative to the bone plate with each of the aiming holes aligned with a respective hole along the bone plate.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/031,066, filed on Jul. 10, 2018, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/925,846, filed Mar. 20, 2018, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/703,345 filed Sep. 13, 2017, which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to surgical devices, and more particularly, stabilization systems including plates, for example, for trauma applications.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Bone fractures can be healed using plating systems. During treatment, one or more screws are placed on either side of a fracture, thereby causing compression and healing of the fracture. There is a need for improved plating systems as well as mechanisms for accurate use of the plating systems.

Full open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of distal femur plates often requires an incision that would span much of the length of the femur, increasing the potential for excessive stripping of the soft tissue and/or periosteum and a higher chance of wound complications. Lateral distal femur plates are often inserted with an aiming guide assembly to assist in performing a minimally invasive (MIS) surgical approach. With an aiming guide, a surgeon can place and direct a plate through one small incision at the knee as well as target the location of shaft holes with small incisions up the femur. However, there is a need for a guide system that provides an easy to use, distal connection with the plate.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the application, in some embodiments, a system is provided for treating a fracture in a bone. The system comprises a bone plate configured to engage the bone, the bone plate comprising a proximal portion, a shaft and a distal portion, wherein the proximal portion comprises a tapered tip, wherein the shaft comprises one or more holes, and wherein the distal portion comprises one or more distal holes and a posterior side and an anterior side, wherein the posterior side of the distal portion is raised relative to the anterior side of the distal portion. The system further comprises at least one fastener received through the one or more holes of the shaft and at least one fastener received through the one or more distal holes of the distal portion.

In other embodiments, a system is provided for treating a fracture in a bone. The system comprises a bone plate configured to engage the bone, the bone plate comprising a proximal portion, a shaft and a distal portion, wherein the proximal portion comprises a tapered tip, wherein the shaft comprises one or more holes, and wherein the distal portion comprises one or more distal holes and a posterior side and an anterior side, wherein the one or more holes in the shaft are fixed holes while the one or more distal holes in the distal shaft are polyaxial locking holes. The system further includes at least one fastener received through the one or more holes of the shaft and at least one fastener received through the one or more distal holes of the distal portion.

In yet another embodiment, a system for treating a fracture in a bone includes a bone plate configured to engage the bone, the bone plate extending along a longitudinal axis and comprising a proximal portion, a shaft, and a distal portion, the shaft comprises a plurality of holes (e.g., polyaxial holes), the plurality of holes include a first repeating pattern of holes and a second repeating pattern of holes, the first repeating pattern of holes having a first virtual line segment connecting center points of all of the first repeating pattern of holes, the second repeating pattern of holes having a second virtual line segment connecting center points of all of the second repeating pattern of holes, wherein the first virtual line segment and the second virtual line segment are parallel, and the first virtual line segment and the second virtual line segment are angled relative to the longitudinal axis, and the distal portion comprises a plurality of distal holes and a posterior side and an anterior side, wherein the posterior side of the distal portion is raised relative to the anterior side of the distal portion.

According to yet another embodiment, a system for treating a fracture in a bone includes a bone plate configured to engage the bone, the bone plate extending along a longitudinal axis and comprising a proximal portion, a shaft, and a distal portion, the shaft comprises a plurality of holes (e.g., polyaxial holes), the plurality of holes include a first repeating pattern of holes and a second repeating pattern of holes, the first repeating pattern of holes having a first virtual line segment connecting center points of all of the first repeating pattern of holes, the second repeating pattern of holes having a second virtual line segment connecting center points of all of the second repeating pattern of holes, wherein the first virtual line segment and the second virtual line segment are parallel, and the first virtual line segment and the second virtual line segment are angled relative to the longitudinal axis, and wherein the first repeating pattern includes a first center hole and the second repeating pattern includes a second center hole, and the center point of the first and second center holes are aligned generally along the longitudinal axis of the plate.

Also provided are kits including plates of varying shapes and sizes, bone anchors, fasteners, insertion tools, and components for installing the same.

Also provided are aiming guide systems configured for connection to a bone plate. In at least one embodiment, the aiming guide system includes an aiming arm and a connection assembly. The aiming arm has a rigid body extending from a proximal end to a distal end with a plurality of aiming holes defined through the rigid body between the proximal end and the distal end thereof. The distal end defines an attachment slot through the body. The connection assembly is configured to engage an attachment screw hole of the bone plate and the attachment slot such that the aiming arm is fixed in position relative to the bone plate with each of the aiming holes aligned with a respective hole along the bone plate.

In at least one embodiment, the aiming guide system includes an aiming arm and a connection assembly. The aiming arm has a rigid body extending from a proximal end to a distal end with a plurality of aiming holes defined through the rigid body between the proximal end and the distal end thereof. The distal end defines an attachment slot through the body. The connection assembly is configured to engage an attachment screw hole of the bone plate and the attachment slot such that the aiming arm is fixed in position relative to the bone plate with each of the aiming holes aligned with a respective hole along the bone plate. The connection assembly includes an attachment post having a first end with an orienting boss extending from a mating surface. The orienting boss is configured to be received in the attachment slot such that the aiming arm rests on the mating surface and is maintained in a proper orientation. A second end of the attachment post has an attachment block having a distal surface which defines a plurality of ball end pins. Each ball end pin is configured to be received in a respective indentation on the plate surface about the attachment screw hole. A threaded shaft extends through a through bore of the attachment post with threads of at least one end of the shaft body configured to threadably engage the attachment screw hole. A fastener is configured to threadably engage threads on an opposite end of the threaded shaft to secure the attachment post between the aiming arm and bone plate.

Also provided is a method of connecting an aiming guide arm to a bone plate wherein the aiming guide arm has a rigid body extending from a proximal end to a distal end with a plurality of aiming holes defined through the rigid body between the proximal end and the distal end thereof and the distal end defining an attachment slot through the body. The bone plate extends along a longitudinal axis and includes a proximal portion, a shaft, and a distal portion, the bone plate defining a plurality of first screw holes along shaft, a plurality of second screw holes at the distal portion, an attachment screw hole proximate the distal portion and a plurality of indentations about the attachment screw hole. The method includes threadably engaging a first end of a threaded shaft in the attachment screw hole such that the threaded shaft extends from the bone plate at an oblique angle; sliding an attachment post over the threaded shaft such that ball end pins extending from an attachment block on one end of the attachment post seat within the indentations on the bone plate, the opposite end of the attachment post having an orienting boss extending from a mating surface; positioning the aiming guide arm with the orienting boss extending through the attachment slot with a first surface of the aiming guide arm seated on the mating surface; and securing a fastener to the second end of the threaded shaft, the fastener engaging a second surface of the aiming guide body opposite the first surface to secure the aiming guide body relative to the bone plate in a fixed orientation.

According to one embodiment, an aiming guide system configured for connection to a bone plate defining a plurality of screw holes includes an aiming arm, a connection assembly, and a tissue protection sleeve. The aiming arm may include a rigid body extending from a proximal end to a distal end with a plurality of aiming holes defined through the rigid body. The plurality of aiming holes each include a recess encircling each hole with at least one slot. The distal end of the aiming arm defines a cylindrical opening through the rigid body. The connection assembly is configured to engage the cylindrical opening and an attachment screw hole in the bone plate such that the aiming arm is fixed in position relative to the bone plate with each of the plurality of aiming holes aligned with a respective one of the screw holes. The connection assembly includes a cylindrical boss receivable in the cylindrical opening in the aiming arm and an attachment post. The tissue protection sleeve is configured to be positioned through one of the plurality of aiming holes such that the tissue protection sleeve defines a through bore from the aiming guide to a respective one of the screw holes in the bone plate. The tissue protection sleeve includes an outer tab configured to be received in one of the slots in the aiming hole, thereby keying the tissue sleeve to the aiming arm.

The aiming guide system may include one or more of the following features. The at least one slot may include a pair of slots oriented 180 degrees to each other. The tissue protection sleeve may include a releasable locking tab configured to engage an undercut in the aiming hole to releasably secure the tissue protection sleeve to the aiming arm. The connection assembly may include a threaded shaft having a shaft body extending between first and second ends, each end including a plurality of threads, the threaded shaft extending through a through bore of the attachment post with the threads of at least one of the first and second ends of the shaft body configured to threadably engage the attachment screw hole in the bone plate. Tension in the threaded shaft may be created by tightening a polyaxial nut assembly configured to self-center on the threaded shaft and match any angulation of the aiming guide. The polyaxial nut assembly may include a spherical nut with a shaft extending between a ball portion and a handle member. The spherical nut may be received in a base, thereby providing self-centering and angular flexibility of the polyaxial nut assembly. The attachment post may include an attachment block having a distal surface which defines a plurality of ball end pins. Each ball end pin may be configured to be received in a respective indentation on a surface of the bone plate about the attachment screw hole such that positioning of the ball end pins within the indentations properly aligns the attachment post relative to the bone plate. The attachment post may be configured to extend at an oblique angle with respect to the bone plate such that the attachment post and aiming arm do not overlie screw holes at a distal region of the bone plate. The system may include an instrument, such as a trocar configured to be positioned through the tissue protection sleeve. The trocar may have a shaft with a tip at a distal end and an enlarged grip base at a proximal end. The trocar may have a deformable retention tab to retain the trocar in the tissue protection sleeve, an external hexagon for rotational control, a stepped shoulder to accommodate different tissue sleeve lengths, and a retention groove on the end of the enlarged base to engage with a removeable handle. The aiming arm may be reversible, for example, with one or more indicators representing its orientation.

According to another embodiment, an aiming system includes a bone plate, an aiming arm, and a connection assembly. The bone plate may include a proximal portion, a shaft, and a distal portion. The bone plate may define a plurality of first screw holes along the shaft, a plurality of second screw holes at the distal portion, and an attachment screw hole proximate the distal portion. The aiming arm may have a rigid body extending from a proximal end to a distal end with a plurality of aiming holes defined through the rigid body. The plurality of aiming holes may each include a recess encircling each hole with at least one slot. The distal end of the aiming arm may define a cylindrical opening through the rigid body. The connection assembly may be configured to engage the cylindrical opening and the attachment screw hole in the bone plate such that the aiming arm is fixed in position relative to the bone plate with each of the plurality of aiming holes aligned with a respective one of the first screw holes. The connection assembly may include a cylindrical boss receivable in the cylindrical opening in the aiming arm and an attachment post.

According to another embodiment, an aiming guide system configured for connection to a bone plate defining a plurality of screw holes includes an aiming arm and a connection assembly. The aiming arm may have a rigid body extending from a proximal end to a distal end with a plurality of aiming holes defined through the rigid body. The distal end of the aiming arm may define a cylindrical opening through the body. A face of the aiming guide may define a pair of notches about the cylindrical opening. The connection assembly may be configured to engage the cylindrical opening and an attachment screw hole in the bone plate such that the aiming arm is fixed in position relative to the bone plate with each of the plurality of aiming holes aligned with a respective one of the screw holes. The connection assembly may include a cylindrical boss receivable in the cylindrical opening in the aiming arm, an attachment post, and a cross pin receivable in the pair of notches to thereby secure the cylindrical boss in the cylindrical opening. The cylindrical boss may include a central opening having a hole axis and the attachment post defines a central cannulation having a central cannulation axis such that the central cannulation axis and the cylindrical boss axis are not aligned. The cylindrical opening may include a tubular insert (e.g., metallic) threadedly coupled to the aiming arm to reinforce the opening.

According to another embodiment, a method of securing an aiming guide arm relative to a bone plate may include on or more of the following steps in any suitable order: (1) positioning an instrument through a tissue protection sleeve, the instrument having a shaft with a tip at a distal end and an enlarged grip base at a proximal end; (2) positioning the tissue protection sleeve through an aiming hole in the aiming guide arm, the aiming hole defining a recess encircling the hole with a slot, the tissue protection sleeve having a head member and a hollow body with a central cannulation and an outer tab; and (3) rotating and pushing the tissue protection sleeve such that the outer tab is received in the slot in the aiming hole, thereby keying the tissue sleeve to the aiming arm.

The method may include one or more of the following features. The aiming hole may define a pair of slots oriented 180 degrees to each other, thereby permitting the tissue protection sleeve to be inserted in two orientations. The head member of the tissue protection sleeve may include a polygonal opening, and the instrument may include an external polygon configured to mate with the polygonal opening, thereby constraining rotation between the tissue protection sleeve and the instrument. The tissue protection sleeve may include a pivotal locking arm with a button for engaging and releasing a locking tab from an undercut in the aiming hole. The tissue protection sleeve may include a collar positioned between the button and the locking tab, and the outer tab may be positioned on the collar at a location opposite to the button. When the tissue protection sleeve is inserted properly, an audible click may indicate the pivotal locking arm elastically deforms and the locking tab snaps past the undercut in the aiming hole. The method may include removing the tissue protection sleeve by squeezing the button and head member together, temporarily elastically deforming the locking arm, releasing the locking tab from the undercut, and allowing the tissue protection sleeve to be pulled upward and free from the aiming arm. Deformation of the locking arm and the button may be bounded by one or more intentional mechanical stops. The instrument may include a deformable retention tab to retain the instrument in the tissue protection sleeve, a stepped shoulder to accommodate different tissue sleeve lengths, and a retention groove on an end of the enlarged grip base to engage with a removeable handle. The stepped shoulder of the instrument may bottom out when the shoulder contacts a proximal face of the head member of the tissue protection sleeve.

According to another embodiment, a method of securing an aiming guide arm relative to a bone plate may include one or more of the following steps in any suitable order: (1) securing an attachment post having a cylindrical boss to a distal region of the bone plate; (2) positioning the cylindrical boss in a cylindrical opening at a distal end of the aiming guide arm; (3) securing the attachment post to the aiming guide arm with a polyaxial nut assembly; (4) positioning a tissue protection sleeve through an aiming hole at a proximal end of the aiming guide arm and into an opening at a proximal region of the bone plate, wherein the tissue protection sleeve is positioned at the most-proximal holes possible for both the aiming guide arm and the bone plate. The aiming guide arm, the attachment post, the bone plate, and the tissue protection sleeve may form a lock the box construct configured to improve the rigidity and enhance targeting accuracy.

The method may include one or more of the following features. Before securing the attachment post, the method may include reversing and orienting the aiming guide arm based on indicators on the aiming arm to match the handedness of the bone plate. Securing the attachment post to the bone plate may include positioning a plurality of ball end pins in respective indentations on a surface of the bone plate, thereby properly aligning the attachment post relative to the bone plate. The attachment post may be secured to the bone plate with a threaded shaft having a plurality of threads by positioning the threaded shaft through a through bore of the attachment post and threadably engaging an attachment screw hole in the bone plate. Tension to the threaded shaft may be created by tightening the polyaxial nut assembly providing for self-centering on the threaded shaft and matching of any angulation of the aiming guide. The attachment post may be configured to extend at an oblique angle with respect to the bone plate such that the attachment post and aiming arm do not overlie screw holes at a distal region of the bone plate. The tissue protection sleeve may include a releasable locking tab, and when the locking tab engages an undercut in the aiming hole, the tissue protection sleeve is releasably secured to the aiming arm.

According to yet another embodiment, a method of securing an aiming guide arm relative to a bone plate may include one or more of the following steps in any suitable order: (1) threadably engaging a first end of a threaded shaft in an attachment screw hole in a bone plate such that the threaded shaft extends from the bone plate at an oblique angle; (2) sliding an attachment post over the threaded shaft such that ball end pins extending from an attachment block on one end of the attachment post seat within indentations on the bone plate, the opposite end of the attachment post having a cylindrical boss; (3) positioning the cylindrical boss into a cylindrical opening in the aiming guide arm; and (4) securing a polyaxial nut assembly to a second end of the threaded shaft, thereby creating tension to the threaded shaft. The polyaxial nut assembly may include a spherical nut with a shaft extending between a ball portion and a handle member. The spherical nut may be received in a base, thereby providing self-centering and angular flexibility of the polyaxial nut assembly. The cylindrical boss may include a central opening having a hole axis and the attachment post defines a central cannulation having a central cannulation axis. The central cannulation axis and the cylindrical boss axis may be mis-aligned such that the attachment post is on a non-normal axis relative to the aiming guide, thereby removing obstructions from a radiographic view of the plate.

Also provided are kits including aiming arm systems including their components and plates of varying shapes and sizes. The kits may further include other instruments, bone anchors, fasteners, and other components for performing the procedures described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present invention, and the attendant advantages and features thereof, will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a view of a bone plate on bone in accordance with some embodiments of the present application.

FIG. 2 is an alternate view of the bone plate on bone in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of a narrow bone plate in accordance with some embodiments of the present application.

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of a broad bone plate in accordance with some embodiments of the present application.

FIG. 5 is a view of an alternative bone plate on bone in accordance with some embodiments of the present application.

FIG. 6 is a top view of a lengthened, narrow bone plate in accordance with some embodiments of the present application.

FIG. 7 is a top view of a lengthened, broad bone plate in accordance with some embodiments of the present application.

FIG. 8 is a top view of a medial plate in accordance with some embodiments of the present application.

FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of a representative plate including a twist up its shaft.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a section of a representative plate showing an arced contour of an underside.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a different section of a representative plate showing an arced contour of an underside.

FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of another embodiment of a narrow bone plate.

FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of another embodiment of a broad bone plate.

FIG. 14 is a close-up view of the geometry of the broad bone plate of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a top view of another embodiment of a narrow bone plate.

FIG. 16 is a top view of another embodiment of a broad bone plate.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a medial locking plate.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the epicondylar ridge on the end of a femur.

FIG. 19 illustrates the distal portion of the medial plate shown in FIG. 17.

FIG. 20 is a side view of a portion of the medial plate shown in FIG. 17.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an aiming guide system in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure shown attached to an illustrative bone plate.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the aiming arm of the aiming guide system of FIG. 21.

FIGS. 23 and 24 are cross-sectional views of aiming holes of narrow and broad aiming arms, respectively.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of an illustrative threaded shaft of the connecting assembly of the aiming guide system of FIG. 21.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of an illustrative attachment post of the connecting assembly of the aiming guide system of FIG. 21.

FIG. 27 is a top plan view illustrating an alternative embodiment of the attachment slot and orienting boss.

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the distal attachment block of the attachment post of FIG. 26.

FIG. 29 is a side elevation view illustrating connection of the connecting assembly with the aiming arm.

FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the connecting assembly fully assembled between the aiming arm and the bone plate.

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of an aiming guide system in accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure shown attached to an illustrative bone plate.

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the fixed axis fastener of the aiming guide system of FIG. 31.

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of an illustrative tissue protection sleeve according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 34 is an expanded elevation view of the proximal portion of the tissue protection sleeve of FIG. 33 engaged within an aiming hole of the aiming arm.

FIG. 35 is a perspective view of an illustrative drill sleeve according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view of the distal portion of the drill sleeve of FIG. 35 extending into a bone plate hole.

FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view of an illustrative hole marker engaged within an aiming hole of the aiming arm.

FIG. 38 is a perspective view of an aiming guide system in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure shown attached to an illustrative bone plate.

FIG. 39 is a perspective view of the aiming guide arm of FIG. 38.

FIG. 40 is a close-up partial cross-sectional view of an attachment location between the aiming guide arm and an attachment post according to one embodiment.

FIG. 41 is a cross-sectional view of the aiming guide system including the aiming arm attached to the bone plate with the attachment post and polyaxial nut assembly according to one embodiment.

FIG. 42 is a close-up cross-sectional view of a first kinematic mount between the bone plate and the distal attachment block of the attachment post shown in FIG. 28.

FIG. 43 is a close-up cross-sectional view of the second kinematic mount between the aiming arm and the cylindrical boss of the attachment post.

FIG. 44 is a side view of the second kinematic mount between the aiming arm and attachment post.

FIG. 45 is a top-down perspective view of the aiming guide system providing an open view to the distal region of the plate and fracture site.

FIG. 46 is a cross-sectional view of the polyaxial nut assembly according to one embodiment.

FIG. 47 is a perspective view of the two-piece base of the polyaxial nut assembly according to another embodiment.

FIG. 48 is a cross-sectional view of the two-piece base of the polyaxial nut assembly shown in FIG. 47.

FIGS. 49A-49B show tissue sleeve keying features between the aiming holes in the aiming guide and the tissue protection sleeve according to one embodiment.

FIGS. 50A-50C show perspective and cross-sectional views, respectively, of a tissue protection sleeve and the aiming arm interface for retaining the tissue sleeve according to one embodiment.

FIGS. 51A-51B show side views of the tissue protection sleeve with the thumb lock in a relaxed state and a deformed state, respectively.

FIG. 52 shows a close-up top isometric view of the head member of the tissue protection sleeve according to one embodiment.

FIG. 53 shows a representation of the aiming arm aligned to the plate at equal distances such that the distance from the center of each hole of the plate to the bottom of the recess in each hole in the aiming arm is constant according to one embodiment.

FIG. 54 shows an example of varying recess depths in adjacent holes of the aiming guide according to one embodiment.

FIGS. 55A-55B show a perspective view and close-up cross-sectional view, respectively, of a kickstand sleeve according to one embodiment.

FIG. 56 shows an example of a soft tissue trocar instrument according to one embodiment.

FIG. 57 shows a cross-sectional view of the trocar inserted through the kickstand sleeve.

FIG. 58 shows a cross-sectional view of the interaction between the trocar and the soft tissue sleeve.

FIG. 59 shows a close-up perspective view of the polygonal rotation control between the trocar and the head member of the tissue protection sleeve.

FIG. 60 shows an example of a trocar with removable handle according to one embodiment.

FIG. 61 is a cross-sectional view of the trocar-handle interconnection.

FIG. 62 shows a representation of a lock the box configuration for connection of the aiming arm to the plate including the attachment post and the tissue protection sleeve positioned through the furthest hole possible.

FIG. 63A-63B show close-up cross-sectional views of different embodiments of a drill guide to plate interface.

FIGS. 64A-64B show perspective and close-up views of insertion of the trocar through the soft tissue sleeve in the aiming guide with the tissue sleeve not fully seated in the aiming guide.

FIGS. 65A-65B show perspective and close-up views of the tissue sleeve fully seated and engaged with the aiming guide and trocar positioned through the guide.

FIG. 66 shows the tissue protection sleeve fully and properly seated in the aiming guide arm.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present application are generally directed to devices, systems and methods for bone stabilization. In particular, embodiments are directed to bone plates that extend across bone members to treat one or more fractures.

The plates described herein may be adapted to contact one or more of a femur, a distal tibia, a proximal tibia, a proximal humerus, a distal humerus, a clavicle, a fibula, an ulna, a radius, bones of the foot, bones of the hand, or other suitable bone or bones. The bone plates may be curved, contoured, straight, or flat. The plates may have a head portion that is contoured to match a particular bone surface, such as a condylar region, metaphysis or diaphysis. In addition, the plates may have a shaft portion that is contoured to match a particular surface that flares out in the form of an L-shape, T-shape, Y-shape. The plates may be adapted to secure small or large bone fragments, single or multiple bone fragments, or otherwise secure one or more fractures. In particular, the systems may include a series of trauma plates and screws designed for the fixation of fractures and fragments in diaphyseal and metaphyseal bone. Different bone plates may be used to treat various types and locations of fractures.

The bone plates may be comprised of titanium, stainless steel, cobalt chrome, carbon composite, plastic or polymer—such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyethylene, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), resorbable polylactic acid (PLA), polyglycolic acid (PGA), combinations or alloys of such materials or any other appropriate material that has sufficient strength to be secured to and hold bone, while also having sufficient biocompatibility to be implanted into a body. Similarly, the bone plates may receive one or more screws or fasteners may be comprised of titanium, cobalt chrome, cobalt-chrome-molybdenum, stainless steel, tungsten carbide, combinations or alloys of such materials or other appropriate biocompatible materials. Although the above list of materials includes many typical materials out of which bone plates and fasteners are made, it should be understood that bone plates and fasteners comprised of any appropriate material are contemplated.

The bone plates described herein can include a combination of locking holes and non-locking holes, only locking holes, or only non-locking holes. Locking holes comprise one or more openings that accept one or more locking fasteners. The one or more openings can be partially or fully threaded, thread-forming, or otherwise configured to allow locking attachment of the fastener to the hole. In some embodiments, the holes comprise stacked or polyaxial locking holes, which can accept both locking and non-locking fasteners. In some embodiments, the locking fasteners include heads that are at least partially threaded. The locking fasteners can be monoaxial or polyaxial. One non-limiting example of a locking fastener (among others) is shown in FIG. 6 of U.S. Ser. No. 15/405,368, filed Jan. 13, 2017, which is (along with any subsequent publication of the same application) hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Non-locking holes comprise one or more openings for accepting one or more non-locking fasteners. The one or more openings are at least in part non-threaded. In some embodiments, these openings include non-threaded or stacked openings, which can accept both locking and non-locking fasteners. In some embodiments, the holes comprise stacked or polyaxial locking holes, which can accept both locking and non-locking fasteners. The non-locking fasteners can be monoaxial or polyaxial. One non-limiting example of a non-locking fastener (among others) is shown in FIG. 4 of U.S. Ser. No. 15/405,368, filed Jan. 13, 2017, which is (along with any subsequent publication of the same application) hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. In some embodiments, the non-locking fasteners can include dynamic compression screws, which enable dynamic compression of an underlying bone.

In some embodiments, one or more of the plates described below include both locking and non-locking holes. Locking holes and locking fasteners may be useful for patients that have weaker bone. In addition, these may be helpful to prevent screw backout. Non-locking plates may be useful for patients that have strong bone.

In some embodiments, one or more of the plates described below can comprise improved distal femoral plates. These plates can be used by a surgeon as an internal fixation device for a variety of fracture patterns in the condylar region of the distal femur. Typical indications can include buttressing of comminuted/multi-fragmentary fractures, metaphyseal and supracondylar fractures, intra-articular and extra-articular femur fractures, periprosthetic fractures, fractures in osteopenic bone, osteotomies of the femur, and nonunions and malunions.

The one or more plates can provide a number of advantages, as will be discussed further below. In particular, the plates are designed to better accommodate anatomical features. For example, one or more plates can include a raised posterior sideline that accommodates an epicondylar protuberance. In addition, the plates have various holes or openings for receiving various types of screws or fasteners, such as one or more kickstand screws, fixed screws, and/or polyaxial screws, that provide excellent fixation while minimizing the risk of various deformities.

FIG. 1 is a view of a bone plate on bone in accordance with some embodiments of the present application. The bone plate 100 comprises a distal femur plate that is attached to a femur bone 5. The femur bone 5 comprises a distal condylar region 7 and a shaft 17 having a lateral side 11 and a medial side 13. The condylar region 7 includes a pair of medial and lateral condyles and a pair of medial and lateral epicondyles 9 positioned near the posterior edge of the condyles.

The bone plate 100 comprises a distal femur plate that comprises a proximal portion 102 and a distal portion 104. The proximal portion 102 comprises a tapered insertion end that transitions into a shaft 110. The distal end of the shaft 110 flares out into a wider portion that forms the head or distal portion 104 of the bone plate 100. While the proximal portion 102 and shaft 110 of the bone plate 100 reside along the shaft 17 of the femur, the head or distal portion 104 of the bone plate 100 resides along the condylar region 7 of the femur.

The proximal portion 102 and shaft 110 of the bone plate 100 are configured to receive one or more screws or fasteners 50. Likewise, the distal portion 104 of the bone plate 100 is configured to receive one or more screws or fasteners 52. In some embodiments, the fasteners 50 on the proximal portion 102 and shaft 110 of the bone plate 100 comprise fixed angle fasteners, while the fasteners 52 on the distal portion 104 of the bone plate 100 comprise polyaxial fasteners. It has been found that while fixed angle fasteners are often stronger than polyaxial fasteners and provide greater stiffness to a bone plate attached to bone, at times, bone plate stiffness can be too great, thereby impeding proper bone healing. Accordingly, the present application provides a novel bone plate 100 that can accommodate both fixed angle fasteners 50 and polyaxial fasteners 52, thereby providing a balance between adequate stiffness and proper healing. In other embodiments, the bone plate 100 can receive only fixed angle fasteners, thereby providing a bone plate of increased stiffness. In other embodiments, the bone plate 100 can receive only variable angle fasteners, thereby providing a bone plate of less stiffness. Moreover, polyaxial locking holes provide an opportunity to place a fastener at a variety of different angles relative to the bone plate, permitting the avoidance of other fasteners and/or implants that may already be in the bone. Therefore, the polyaxial locking holes provide more options for a surgical user. FIG. 2 is an alternate view of the bone plate on bone in FIG. 1. From this view, one can see the bone plate 100 and its fasteners 50, 52 through the femur 5. As noted above, in some embodiments, fasteners 50 comprise fixed fasteners that enter through the shaft 17 of the femur 5. These fasteners 50 are shorter relative to fasteners 52 and provide increased stiffness. In some embodiments, fasteners 52 comprise variable angle fasteners that enter through the condylar region 7 of the femur 5. These fasteners 52 are longer relative to fasteners 50. While these fasteners 52 can provide decreased stiffness relative to the other fasteners 50, they also have more variability in their angle of placement relative to one another and the bone plate to provide more options for a surgical user.

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of the narrow bone plate in accordance with some embodiments of the present application. The bone plate 100 comprises a proximal portion 102 and a distal portion 104. In between the proximal portion 102 and distal portion 104 is a shaft 110 having an anterior sidewall 106 and a posterior sidewall 108. Along the length of the bone plate 100 are a series of holes or openings for receiving screws or fasteners therein.

The proximal portion 102 of the bone plate 100 comprises a tapered tip 120. In some embodiments, the tapered tip 120 serves as the lead portion of the bone plate 100 to enter into an incision. In some embodiments, the tapered tip 120 allows for simplified submuscular plate insertion to minimize incision length. The proximal portion 102 further comprises a k-wire hole 122 for receiving a k-wire therein to guide bone plate 100 to a desired surgical site. The k-wire hole 122 allows for temporary fixation of the bone plate 100 to bone via a k-wire. In some embodiments, the k-wire hole 122 is unthreaded. In addition, the proximal portion 102 further comprises an articulated tensioning device (ATD) slot 124. The ATD slot 124 is configured to receive a portion of a tension or compression device (not shown) that can help to bring bone fragments together for healing. In some embodiments, the ATD slot 124 is composed of a through hole and a cylindrical shaped undercut on the bottom of the plate 100.

The proximal portion 102 transitions into the shaft portion 110. The shaft portion 110 comprises multiple holes or openings 130 a, 130 b, 130 c, 130 d, 130 e, 130 f that are configured to receive fasteners therein. In some embodiments, holes 130 a-130 f are configured to be fixed angle, stacked locking holes that can accommodate screws (e.g., between 3.5-7.5 mm screws, such as 4.5 mm screws). The fixed angle, stacked locking holes advantageously allow for mono-axial insertion of fasteners that lock to the bone plate 100. In some embodiments, these holes can also accommodate non-locking fasteners. In some embodiments, the holes 130 a-130 f are arranged in series such that no two holes 130 a-130 f overlap along a width of the shaft portion 110.

In addition, the shaft portion 110 comprises one or more bi-directional dynamic compression slots 132 a, 132 b interspersed between the holes 130 a-130 f The slots 132 a, 132 b are elongated in length relative to the holes 130 a-130 f, and are configured to receive one or more non-locking fasteners therein. While the present embodiment illustrates two dynamic compression slots 132 a, 132 b, in some embodiments, there can be three or more compression slots. In some embodiments, the dynamic compression slots 132 a, 132 b allow for static insertion of non-locking screws into the shaft portion 110 of the bone. In some embodiments, they also allow for compression (e.g., between 0.5-2 mm, such as 1 mm, of compression) along the shaft portion 110 of the bone through eccentric insertion of a non-locking screw. In some embodiments, the locations of the dynamic compression slots 132 a, 132 b are optimized for typical intercondylar splits and osteotomies.

In addition to the holes 130 a-130 f and the compression slots 132 a, 132 b, the shaft 110 further comprises a kickstand hole 135. In some embodiments, the kickstand hole 135 comprises a polyaxial locking hole for receiving a locking fastener therein. The kickstand hole 135 is advantageously designed to receive a fastener that targets the strong cortical bone in the posteromedial cortex of the condylar region, thereby promoting angular stability. Additionally, the kickstand hole is useful for providing enhanced fixation for comminuted fractures in the metaphyseal region of the bone, due to its oblique angle relative to the upper surface of the plate. In some embodiments, the kickstand hole 135 is angled between 23-33 degrees, or in some embodiments between 27-29 degrees, upwards from a normal plane of the upper surface of the plate.

The shaft portion 110 comprises an anterior side 106 and a posterior side 108 that form the edges of the shaft portion 110. The anterior side 106 and posterior side 108 can include one or more waisted edge scallops 136. Advantageously, the one or more waisted edge scallops 136 permit some bending of the shaft portion 110 without deforming the holes, thereby promoting uniform load transfer. In some embodiments, the shaft portion 110 can have a pre-contoured geometry. Advantageously, the pre-contoured geometry can allow an optimal fit along an entire lateral aspect of a femur. In lengthier versions of the plate 100, there can be an anterior bow and slight shaft twist to mate with proximal femoral anatomy. In addition, in some embodiments, the underside of the bone plate 100 can be arced to mate with the cylindrical nature of the femoral shaft.

The distal end of the shaft portion 110 transitions into the wider, distal portion 104 of the bone plate 100. The distal portion 104 of the bone plate 100 is configured to reside at or near the condylar region of the femur 5. The distal portion 104 comprises holes or openings 140 a, 140 b, 140 c, 140 d, 140 e, 140 f, 140 g, 140 h that are configured to receive one or more fasteners or screws therein. In some embodiments, the holes 140 a-140 h comprise polyaxial locking holes that can accommodate screws (e.g., between 3.5-67.5 mm screws, such as 4.5 mm screws). The locking holes may be thread-forming such that a thread is formed within the locking hole as the fastener is inserted therein. In some embodiments, the polyaxial locking holes 140 a-140 h can have a cone of angulation of up to between 30 to 50 degrees, and more particularly 40 degrees, according to some embodiments. The polyaxial locking holes 140 a-140 h thus accommodate fasteners of different angles. Advantageously, in some embodiments, the polyaxial locking holes are designed to accommodate multi-planar diverging trajectories to allow a surgeon to select optimal screw trajectories to avoid any existing hardware in the condylar region. In other words, fasteners inserted into the condylar region will avoid other similarly inserted fasteners or other pre-existing hardware that may have been inserted previously in the region. While the present embodiment includes eight polyaxial holes 140 a-140 h, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the bone plate 100 can include less than eight polyaxial holes or greater than eight polyaxial holes. Furthermore, as the bone plate 100 can include both fixed angle fasteners (e.g., in the shaft 110 of the bone plate 100) and polyaxial fasteners (e.g., in the distal portion 104 of the bone plate 100), the bone plate 100 can be provided relative to an underlying with just enough stiffness to accommodate adequate healing.

In some embodiments, the holes 140 a-140 h can include one or more holes that are nominally angled so that they are parallel to a knee joint. These holes can receive one or more fasteners or screws that are parallel to the knee joint, thereby helping in proper alignment of the bone plate 100 relative to bone. In the present embodiment, holes 140 b, 140 d, 140 e can be parallel to a knee joint and can be considered to be condylar realignment holes. Advantageously, these condylar realignment holes can help to restore the anatomic alignment of the articular block to prevent varus/valgus deformities and post-traumatic arthritis. In other words, holes 140 b, 140 d, 140 e (which are a subset of the polyaxial holes 140 a-140 h) can help guide one or more fasteners therethrough that are parallel to the knee joint, thereby helping to ensure proper alignment between the bone plate and underlying bone. By providing proper alignment, this advantageously helps to prevent varus/valgus deformities and post-traumatic arthritis. One skilled in the art will appreciate that while holes 140 b, 140 d, 140 e can be formed as condylar realignment holes, other holes in the distal end can also be used for similar purposes.

In addition to the holes 140 a-140 h, the distal portion 104 of the plate 100 further comprises a distal pair of k-wire holes 142. Like the proximal k-wire hole 122, the k-wire holes 142 allow temporary fixation of the bone plate 100 to bone with k-wires.

In addition to the holes 140 a-140 h and k-wire holes 142, the distal portion 104 of the plate 100 further comprises three indentations 144. In some embodiments, the indentations 144 are rounded or spherical. The purpose of the indentations 144 is to help accommodate a portion of an instrument (e.g., an attachment post of an associated aiming instrument, for example, as described with reference to FIGS. 21-34). The instrument can be used to accurately guide fasteners or screws into respective holes in the bone plate 100. The instrument can rest against one or more of the indentations 144, thereby ensuring proper alignment and orientation between the instrument and the plate 100. Unlike the holes 140 a-140 h and k-wire holes 142, the indentions 144 do not extend through the upper surface to the lower surface of the bone plate 100. Rather, they are formed partially along the height of the bone plate 100.

The distal portion 104 of the plate 100 can have a distinct contour. In particular, the distal portion 104 of the plate 100 can comprise a concave cutout or lag screw groove 148. Screws or fasteners can sometimes be placed externally to the bone plate 100 to lag fragments of the articular block prior to plate placement. The lag screw groove 148 advantageously accommodates and/or permits placement of these external lag/compression screws.

In some embodiments, the distal portion 104 of the plate 100 further comprises a variable chamfered surface 149. The variable chamfered surface 149 advantageously has different amounts of material removed from a top surface of the bone plate 100 at the distal end, thereby permitting a thinner surface in an area where soft tissue cover is minimal. This desirably helps to prevent irritation around the knee region.

In some embodiments, the distal portion 104 of the bone plate 100 further comprises an anterior side and a posterior side, wherein the posterior side has a raised contour relative to the anterior side in a vertical direction along the height of the bone plate 100. As shown in FIG. 3, the bone plate 100 comprises a raised posterior side 146 that can be between 2-10 mm higher than an anterior side. In some embodiments, the raised posterior side 146 has an underside that is between 2-10 mm higher than an underside of an opposing anterior side of the bone plate 100. The purpose of the raised posterior side 146 is that it advantageously accommodates an anatomical ridge on the posterior side of the femoral condyle known as the epicondyle. The raised posterior side 146 is advantageously designed to reside or sit on the epicondyle, thereby providing a mechanism by which a surgeon can key the bone plate 100 into place on the condylar surface. Furthermore, the raised posterior side 146 helps to stabilize the bone plate 100 over a bone, which would likely be unsteady without the raised feature. In addition to the raised contour, the bone plate 100 also includes condylar contouring around its distal perimeter to mimic the metaphyseal and epiphyseal anatomy to guide plate placement.

In some embodiments, the overall height or thickness of the bone plate 100 can be variable along its length. In some embodiments, the height or thickness of the bone plate 100 can be greater in the shaft 110 than in the distal portion 104. In some embodiments, the thickness in the shaft 110 can be between 3.0-6.0 mm, while the thickness in the distal portion 104 can be between 1.5-4.5 mm. The variable thickness advantageously provides ideal stiffness to the bone plate 100, while also balancing the need to be careful around surrounding tissue around the bone plate. For example, a less thick distal portion 104 can help reduce unnecessary contact with adjacent tissue, thereby reducing irritation around a knee region.

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of a broad bone plate in accordance with some embodiments of the present application. The broad bone plate 200 includes many similar features as the narrower bone plate 100, but is wider than the narrower bone plate 100. In some embodiments, a distal portion 204 of the bone plate 200 can be between 7-11 mm, or approximately 9 mm, wider than the narrower bone plate 100. This additional width permits space for additional (e.g., two or more) polyaxial locking holes 240, as well as one or more k-wire holes 242. In some embodiments, a shaft portion 210 of the bone plate 200 can be between 5.5-9.5 mm, or approximately 7.5 mm, wider than the narrower bone plate 100. This additional width permits space for additional fixed angle, stacked locking holes 230. In some embodiments, the additional width of the shaft 210 provides space for two, three or more locking holes 230 along its width.

The bone plate 200 comprises a proximal portion 202 and a distal portion 204. In between the proximal portion 202 and distal portion 204 is a shaft 210 having an anterior sidewall 206 and a posterior sidewall 208. Along the length of the bone plate 200 are a series of holes or openings for receiving screws or fasteners therein.

The proximal portion 202 of the bone plate 200 comprises a tapered tip 220. In some embodiments, the tapered tip 220 serves as the lead portion of the bone plate 200 to enter into an incision. In some embodiments, the tapered tip 220 allows for simplified submuscular plate insertion to minimize incision length. The proximal portion 202 further comprises a k-wire hole 222 for receiving a k-wire therein to guide bone plate 200 to a desired surgical site. The k-wire hole 222 allows for temporary fixation of the bone plate 200 to bone via a k-wire. In some embodiments, the k-wire hole 222 is unthreaded. In addition, the proximal portion 202 further comprises an articulated tensioning device (ATD) slot 224. The ATD slot 224 is configured to receive a portion of a tension or compression device (not shown) that can help to bring bone fragments together for healing. In some embodiments, the ATD slot 224 is composed of a through hole and a cylindrical shaped undercut on the bottom of the plate 200.

The proximal portion 202 transitions into the shaft portion 210. The shaft portion 210 comprises multiple holes or openings 230 a, 230 b, 230 c, 230 d, 230 e, 230 f, 230 g, 230 h, 230 i, 230 j that are configured to receive fasteners therein. In some embodiments, holes 230 a-230 j are configured to be fixed angle, stacked locking holes that can accommodate screws (e.g., between 3.5-7.5 mm screws, such as 4.5 mm screws). The fixed angle, stacked locking holes advantageously allow for mono-axial insertion of fasteners that lock to the bone plate 200. In some embodiments, these holes can also accommodate non-locking fasteners. In some embodiments, the holes 230 a-230 j are distributed such that no two holes 230 a-230 j overlap along a width of the shaft portion 110. However, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the shaft portion 210 is wide enough to accommodate two or more holes 230 a-230 j side-by-side. In the present embodiment, the shaft includes distinct groups of three holes 230 a-230 j side-by-side along the entire length of the plate.

In addition, the shaft portion 210 comprises one or more bi-directional dynamic compression slots 232 a, 232 b interspersed between the holes 230 a-230 j. The slots 232 a, 232 b are elongated in length relative to the holes 230 a-230 j, and are configured to receive one or more non-locking fasteners therein. While the present embodiment illustrates two dynamic compression slots 232 a, 232 b, in some embodiments, there can be three or more compression slots. In some embodiments, the dynamic compression slots 232 a, 232 b allow for static insertion of non-locking screws into the shaft portion 210 of the bone. In some embodiments, they also allow for compression (e.g., between 0.5-2 mm, such as 1 mm, of compression) along the shaft portion 210 of the bone through eccentric insertion of a non-locking screw. In some embodiments, the locations of the dynamic compression slots 232 a, 232 b are optimized for typical intercondylar splits and osteotomies. In the present embodiments, each of the dynamic compression slots 232 a, 232 b is positioned adjacent to a pair of locking holes 230.

In addition to the holes 230 a-230 f and the compression slots 232 a, 232 b, the shaft 210 further comprises a kickstand hole 235. In some embodiments, the kickstand hole 235 comprises a polyaxial locking hole for receiving a locking fastener therein. The kickstand hole 235 is advantageously designed to receive a fastener that targets the strong cortical bone in the posteromedial cortex of the condylar region, thereby promoting angular stability. Additionally, the kickstand hole is useful for providing enhanced fixation for comminuted fractures in the metaphyseal region of the bone, due to its oblique angle relative to the upper surface of the plate.

The shaft portion 210 comprises an anterior side 206 and a posterior side 208 that form the edges of the shaft portion 210. The anterior side 206 and posterior side 208 can include one or more waisted edge scallops 236. Advantageously, the one or more waisted edge scallops 236 permit some bending of the shaft portion 210 without deforming the holes, thereby promoting uniform load transfer. The waisted edge scallops 236 are slightly larger than the waisted edge scallops 136 to take into account the wider shaft. In some embodiments, the shaft portion 210 can have a pre-contoured geometry. Advantageously, the pre-contoured geometry can allow an optimal fit along an entire lateral aspect of a femur. In lengthier versions of the plate 200, there can be an anterior bow and slight shaft twist to mate with proximal femoral anatomy. In addition, in some embodiments, the underside of the bone plate 200 can be arced to mate with the cylindrical nature of the femoral shaft.

The distal end of the shaft portion 210 transitions into the wider, distal portion 204 of the bone plate 200. The distal portion 204 of the bone plate 200 is configured to reside at or near the condylar region of the femur 5. The distal portion 204 comprises holes or openings 240 a, 240 b, 240 c, 240 d, 240 e, 240 f, 240 g, 240 h, 240 i, 240 j that are configured to receive one or more fasteners or screws therein. In some embodiments, the holes 240 a-240 j comprise polyaxial locking holes that can accommodate screws (e.g., between 3.5-7.5 mm screws, such as 4.5 mm screws). In some embodiments, the polyaxial locking holes 240 a-240 j can have a cone of angulation of up to between 30 to 50 degrees, and more particularly 40 degrees, according to some embodiments. The polyaxial locking holes 240 a-240 j thus accommodate fasteners of different angles. Advantageously, in some embodiments, the polyaxial locking holes are designed to accommodate several multi-planar diverging trajectories to allow a surgeon to select optimal screw trajectories to avoid any existing hardware in the condylar region. In other words, fasteners inserted into the condylar region will avoid other similarly inserted fasteners or other pre-existing hardware that may have been inserted previously in the region. While the present embodiment includes ten polyaxial holes 240 a-240 j, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the bone plate 200 can include less than ten polyaxial holes or greater than ten polyaxial holes. Furthermore, as the bone plate 200 can include both fixed angle fasteners (e.g., in the shaft 210 of the bone plate 200) and polyaxial fasteners (e.g., in the distal portion 204 of the bone plate 200), the bone plate 200 can be provided relative to an underlying with just enough stiffness to accommodate adequate healing.

In some embodiments, the holes 240 a-240 j can include one or more holes that are nominally angled so that they are parallel to a knee joint. These holes can receive one or more fasteners or screws that are parallel to the knee joint, thereby helping in proper alignment of the bone plate 200 relative to bone. In the present embodiment, holes 240 b, 240 e, 240 f can be parallel to a knee joint and can be considered to be condylar realignment holes. Advantageously, these condylar realignment holes can help to restore the anatomic alignment of the articular block to prevent varus/valgus deformities and post-traumatic arthritis. In other words, holes 240 b, 240 e, 240 f (which are a subset of the polyaxial holes 240 a-240 j) can help guide one or more fasteners therethrough that are parallel to the knee joint, thereby helping to ensure proper alignment between the bone plate and underlying bone. By providing proper alignment, this advantageously helps to prevent varus/valgus deformities and post-traumatic arthritis. One skilled in the art will appreciate that while holes 240 b, 240 e, 240 f are considered condylar realignment holes, these are only representative, and other holes in the distal portion can also be considered condylar realignment holes.

In addition to the holes 240 a-240 j, the distal portion 204 of the plate 200 further comprises a distal pair of k-wire holes 242. Like the proximal k-wire hole 222, the k-wire holes 242 allow temporary fixation of the bone plate 200 to bone with k-wires.

In addition to the holes 240 a-240 j and k-wire holes 242, the distal portion 204 of the plate 200 further comprises three indentations 244. In some embodiments, the indentations 244 are rounded or spherical. The purpose of the indentations 244 is to help accommodate a portion of an instrument (e.g., an attachment post of an associated aiming instrument). The instrument can be used to accurately guide fasteners or screws into respective holes in the bone plate 200. The instrument can rest against one or more of the indentations 244, thereby ensuring proper alignment and orientation between the instrument and the plate 200. Unlike the holes 240 a-240 j and k-wire holes 242, the indentions 244 do not extend through the upper surface to the lower surface of the bone plate 200. Rather, they are formed partially along the height of the bone plate 200.

In some embodiments, the distal portion 204 of the plate 200 further comprises a variable chamfered surface 249. The variable chamfered surface 249 advantageously has different amounts of material removed from a top surface of the bone plate 200 at the distal end, thereby permitting a thinner surface in an area where soft tissue cover is minimal. This desirably helps to prevent irritation around the knee region.

In some embodiments, the distal portion 204 of the bone plate 200 further comprises an anterior side and a posterior side, wherein the posterior side has a raised contour relative to the anterior side. As shown in FIG. 4, the bone plate 200 comprises a raised posterior side 246 that can be between 2-10 mm higher than an anterior side. In some embodiments, the raised posterior side 246 has an underside that is between 2-10 mm higher than an underside of an opposing anterior side of the bone plate 200. The purpose of the raised posterior side 246 is that it advantageously accommodates an anatomical ridge on the posterior side of the femoral condyle known as the epicondyle. The raised posterior side 246 is advantageously designed to reside or sit on the epicondyle, thereby providing a mechanism by which a surgeon can key the bone plate 200 into place on the condylar surface. Furthermore, the raised posterior side 246 helps to stabilize the bone plate 200 over a bone, which would likely be unsteady without the raised feature. In addition to the raised contour, the bone plate 200 also includes condylar contouring around its distal perimeter to mimic the metaphyseal and epiphyseal anatomy to guide plate placement.

FIG. 5 is a view of an alternative bone plate on bone in accordance with some embodiments of the present application. The bone plate 300 comprises a plate that is lengthier than the bone plates 100, 200 in prior embodiments. The bone plate 300 is designed to extend along a majority of the length of a femur 5. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5, the bone plate 300 extends from the distal condylar region 7 close to the proximal region 15 of the bone plate 300. By spanning the extending length, the bone plate 300 may help heal and prevent fractures that are higher up the femur and near the proximal region 15. Additionally, a lengthier bone plate can assist in providing a longer working length, which helps to modulate the stiffness of the plate and screw construct to promote faster healing.

FIG. 6 is a top view of a lengthened, narrow bone plate in accordance with some embodiments of the present application. While the bone plate 300 has a number of similar features to bone plates 100, 200, the bone plate 300 is much longer. In some embodiments, the bone plate 300 has a length of between 400 and 500 mm, such as approximately 460 mm.

The bone plate 300 can include three distinct regions, identified by the perforated lines. These regions include a proximal region 302, a medial region 306 and a distal region 304.

The proximal region 302 comprises a tapered distal end that includes a tapered tip 320, k-wire hole 322 and ATD slot 324. In addition, the proximal region 302 comprises a series of proximal holes 328. In some embodiments, these proximal holes 328 are polyaxial and nominally angled toward the outer edge of the bone plate 300 in order to assist in dodging a hip stem in the proximal femur. While the present embodiment shows ten proximal holes 328, in other embodiments, the proximal region 302 includes less than ten or greater than ten proximal holes 328. In addition, while the present embodiment shows ten proximal holes 328 that are similar to one another (e.g., polyaxial), in some embodiments, the proximal holes 328 can be a combination of monoaxial and polyaxial locking holes, or just monoaxial holes.

The medial region 306 comprises a shaft region having a series of holes or openings for receiving fasteners or screws therein. As shown in FIG. 6, some of the holes can be stacked holes 330 that can accept locking or non-locking screws, while some of the holes can be elongated dynamic compression slots 332 that can accept non-locking screws. In the present embodiments, the medial region 306 comprises twelve stacked holes 330 and two dynamic compression slots 332. However, one skilled in the art will appreciate that in some embodiments, the medial region 306 can include less than or greater than twelve stacked holes 330 and two dynamic compression slots 332.

The distal region 304 of the bone plate 300 comprises a flared out, wider region that resides on a condylar region of bone. In some embodiments, the distal region 304 includes a pair of distal k-wire holes 342 for receiving guiding k-wires therein. The distal region 304 further includes three indentations 344 that are configured to engage a portion of an instrument (e.g., an alignment post of an aiming guide). The distal region 304 further includes a series of holes or openings for receiving one or more fasteners or screws therein. These include one kickstand hole 335 and eight polyaxial locking holes 340, which are advantageously designed such that fasteners that are inserted therethrough do not interfere with one another. In addition to these features, the distal region 304 can further include a lag screw groove 348 and a raised posterior side 346 that can accommodate an epicondylar flare.

As shown in FIG. 6, the bone plate 300 comprises different types of holes in the three distinct regions—proximal region 302, medial region 306 and distal region 304. In some embodiments, the distal region 304, which encompasses the condylar region, comprises polyaxial locking holes 328. In the medial region 306, the polyaxial locking holes 328 can transition into non-polyaxial or fixed holes 330. In some embodiments, the fixed holes 330 can be stacked holes. In the proximal region 302, the fixed holes 330 can transition into polyaxial locking holes 340.

FIG. 7 is a top view of a lengthened, broad bone plate in accordance with some embodiments of the present application. Like the bone plate 300, bone plate 400 has a number of similar features to bone plates 100, 200, but is much longer. In some embodiments, the bone plate 400 has a length of between 400 and 500 mm, such as approximately 460 mm. The bone plate 400 is also wider than the bone plate 300, thereby accommodating a number of distinct hole patterns along its length.

The bone plate 400 can include three distinct regions, identified by the perforated lines. These regions include a proximal region 402, a medial region 406 and a distal region 404. All three regions (402, 404, and 406) can contain groups of two or more holes side-by-side along the length of the plate. In the present embodiments, the shaft includes distinct groups of three holes side-by-side along the entire length of the plate.

The proximal region 402 comprises a tapered distal end that includes a k-wire hole 422 and ATD slot 424. In addition, the proximal region 402 comprises a series of proximal holes. In some embodiments, these proximal holes comprise polyaxial locking holes 428 that are nominally angled toward the outer edge of the bone plate 400 in order to assist in dodging a hip stem in the proximal femur. In between pairs of polyaxial locking holes 428 are stacked holes 426. In some embodiments, both the polyaxial locking holes 428 and stacked holes 426 can receive locking or non-locking fasteners. In the present embodiment, the proximal region 402 comprises five sets of holes, whereby each set comprises a pair of polyaxial locking holes 428 and a stacked hole 426.

The medial region 406 comprises a shaft region having a series of holes or openings for receiving fasteners or screws therein. As shown in FIG. 7, some of the holes can be stacked holes 430 that can accept locking or non-locking screws, while some of the holes can be elongated dynamic compression slots 432 that can accept non-locking screws. In the present embodiments, the medial region 406 comprises seven sets of holes, whereby each set comprises two or more stacked holes 430. In some of the sets, at least one dynamic compression slot 432 is provided between the two or more stacked holes.

The distal region 404 of the bone plate 400 comprises a flared out, wider region that resides on a condylar region of bone. In some embodiments, the distal region 404 includes a pair of distal k-wire holes 442 for receiving guiding k-wires therein. The distal region 404 further includes three indentations 444 that are configured to engage a portion of an instrument (e.g., an alignment post of an aiming guide). The distal region 404 further includes a series of holes or openings for receiving one or more fasteners or screws therein. These include one kickstand hole 435 and ten polyaxial locking holes 440, which are advantageously designed such that fasteners that are inserted therethrough do not interfere with one another. In addition to these features, the distal region 404 can further include a raised posterior side 446 that can accommodate an epicondylar flare.

FIG. 8 is a top view of a medial plate in accordance with some embodiments of the present application. The medial plate 500 is inserted through an incision over the anteromedial of the distal femur or an S-shaped incision on the posterior side of the knee joint. The medial plate 500 includes similar features as the narrow and broad locking plates 100, 200. In some embodiments, the longest length of the medial plate will sit no less than 8 cm below the lesser trochanter in order to preserve the vessels and nerve pathways on the medial side of the femur. In some embodiments, the thickness of the plate 500 varies along a length of the plate 500. For example, the plate 500 can be thicker in a proximal region (e.g., between 2.0-4.0 mm, such as approximately 3.0 mm) than in a distal region (e.g., between 1.5-3.0 mm, such as approximately 2.25 mm).

The medial plate 500 comprises a proximal portion 502 and a distal portion 504 and a shaft 510 therebetween 510. The proximal portion 502 comprises a tapered insertion tip 520. Along the proximal portion 502 and shaft 510 are a series of holes 530 for receiving fasteners therein. In some embodiments, the holes 530 are polyaxial locking holes. In other embodiments, the holes 530 are fixed angled stacked locking holes. In some embodiments, the holes 530 are a combination of polyaxial locking holes or fixed angle stacked locking holes. In some embodiments, the holes 530 accommodate screws of various sizes, such as between 3.5-7.5 mm screws, such as approximately 4.5 mm. The shaft 510 further includes waisted edge scallops 536.

The distal portion 504 of the medial plate 500 comprises similar features as in prior embodiments, including a pair of distal k-wire holes 542 and six polyaxial locking holes 540. The polyaxial locking holes 540 can accommodate fasteners or screws that are between 3.0 and 6.0 mm, or approximately 4.5 mm. Furthermore, the distal portion 504 comprises a raised posterior side 546 to accommodate an epicondylar flare, as well as condylar contouring 506 to accommodate distinct anatomy. In some embodiments, the distal portion 504 also comprises a variable chamfered surface 549.

FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of a representative plate including a twist up its shaft. From this view, one can see how the proximal portion of the representative shaft 300 can have an upward twist from a more medial section of the plate. The advantage of the upward twist is that the plate is a better anatomical fit with bone.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a section of a representative plate showing an arced contour of an underside. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a different section of a representative plate showing an arced contour of an underside. From these views, one can see how the arced surface varies in radius and centrality along the length of the plate. For example, the underside in FIG. 10 has a radius of R1, while the underside in FIG. 11 has a radius of R2, wherein R1 is different from R2. By having different arced contours along different sections of the plate, this also helps to give the plate a better anatomical fit to bone. In some embodiments, R1 and R2 can have a dimension between about 25 mm to 250 mm, whereby R1 is different from R2.

Turning now to FIG. 12, a top perspective view of a narrow bone plate 600 according to yet another embodiment is shown. The narrow bone plate 600 is similar to narrow bone plate 100 shown in FIG. 3 and like elements are labeled the same. Similar to plate 100, bone plate 600 comprises proximal portion 102 and distal portion 104 with shaft 110 extending therebetween having anterior sidewall 106 and posterior sidewall 108.

Similar to holes or openings 130 a-130 f in plate 100, plate 600 includes a plurality of holes or openings 130 a-130 g that are configured to receive fasteners therein. In some embodiments, holes 130 a-130 g may be configured as locking holes, which may be able to accept locking or non-locking screws. The openings 130 a-130 g may be in the form of 4.5 mm polyaxial locking holes. The openings 130 a-130 g may be staggered to prevent new linear fracture lines in the metaphyseal and diaphyseal regions.

Similar to plate 100, the shaft portion 110 of plate 600 comprises one or more bi-directional dynamic compression slots 132 a, 132 b. These slots 132 a, 132 b may be configured to receive one or more non-locking fasteners therein and may allow for compression along the shaft portion 110 of the bone. The bi-directional dynamic compression slots 132 a, 132 b may allow for static insertion of non-locking screws into the shaft of the bone and/or may allow for 1mm of compression along the shaft of the bone through eccentric insertion of a non-locking screw. The locations of the dynamic compression slots 132 a, 132 b were optimized for typical intercondylar splits and osteotomies.

The articulated tensioning device (ATD) hole 124 is composed of a through hole in the tip of the plate 600 and a cylindrical shaped undercut on the bottom surface of the plate 600. The hole mates with an ATD and allows for compression or tensioning of fracture fragments.

Plate 600 further includes a plurality of kickstand holes 135. For example, in this embodiment, the shaft portion 110 may include two kickstand holes 135 separated from one another and oriented in different directions. The kickstand holes 135 may each comprise a polyaxial locking hole for receiving a locking fastener therein. In the metaphyseal region of the lateral plates, the two kickstand strut screws permit fixation in the anteromedial and posteromedial cortices of the medial femoral condyle in the lateral plates. The screw targets the strong cortical bone of the posteromedial cortex in order to enhance screw fixation, prevent pull-out, and promote angular stability via triangular fixation.

The anterior side 106 and posterior side 108 can include one or more waisted edge scallops 136. Advantageously, the one or more waisted edge scallops 136 permit some bending of the shaft portion 110 without deforming the holes, thereby promoting uniform load transfer.

The distal end of the shaft portion 110 transitions into the wider, distal portion 104 of the bone plate 600. Similar to plate 100, plate 600 includes holes or openings 140 a-140 h that are configured to receive one or more fasteners or screws therein, including locking or non-locking screws. The holes 140 a-140 h may comprise polyaxial locking holes, for example, with a cone of angulation. The cluster of holes 140 a-140 h may be nominally targeted in several multi-planar diverging trajectories to allow the surgeon to select optimal screw trajectories to avoid any existing hardware in the condyle.

The distal portion 104 of the plate 600 may further comprises a distal pair of k-wire holes 142. Like the proximal k-wire hole 122, the k-wire holes 142 allow temporary fixation of the bone plate 600 to bone with k-wires.

The distal portion 104 of the plate 600 may include three indentations 144, for example, or blind openings being rounded or spherical, to help accommodate a portion of an instrument (e.g., an attachment post of an associated aiming instrument).

In this embodiment, plate 600 further includes a dedicated aiming arm attachment hole 602. The dedicated aiming arm attachment hole 602 may be a threaded hole, for example, for attaching the attachment post of an associated aiming instrumentation for the system.

The thickness of the plate 600 may vary from about 4.5 mm proximally to 3.6 mm distally, varying through the metaphyseal and epiphyseal regions. The transition in thickness may begin about 129 mm from the most distal edge of the plate 600. The width of the plate 600 may vary from about 33 mm wide in the head of the plate 600 to about 17.5 mm wide in the shaft of the plate 600. The transition in width may also begin about 129 mm from the most distal edge of the plate 600.

Turning now to FIGS. 13 and 14, a broad lateral bone plate 700 according to yet another embodiment is shown. The broad lateral bone plate 700 is similar to broad bone plate 200 shown in FIG. 4 and like elements are labeled the same. Similar to plate 200, bone plate 700 comprises proximal portion 202 and distal portion 204 with shaft 210 extending therebetween having anterior sidewall 206 and posterior sidewall 208. The broad lateral locking plate 700 may be inserted through an incision over the lateral aspect of the distal femur and may provide some of the same types of features as the narrow version 600.

The shaft portion 210 comprises a plurality of holes or openings 230 a, 230 a 1, 230 b, 230 c, 230 d, 230 e, 230 f, 230 g, 230 h, 230 i, 230 i 1, 230 j, 230 k, 230 l that are configured to receive fasteners therein. As compared to plate 200, plate 700 replaces dynamic compression slots 232 a, 232 b with openings 230 a 1 and 230 i 1 and additional openings 230K and 230 l are added. The plurality of openings 230 a-230 l may be 4.5 mm polyaxial locking holes in the distal cluster that may be nominally targeted in several multi-planar diverging trajectories to allow the surgeon to select optimal screw trajectories to avoid any existing hardware in the condyle. The plurality of openings 230 a-230 l may accept locking or non-locking screws. The plurality of openings 230 a-230 l in the shaft 210 of the plate 700 may be staggered to prevent new linear fracture lines in the metaphyseal and diaphyseal regions. In particular, the plurality of openings 230 a-230 l may be a repeating pattern of three holes (e.g., 230 a, 230 a 1, 230 b).

As best seen in FIG. 14, a first virtual line segment L1 connecting a repeating pattern of three holes (e.g., 230 c-230 e) through their respective center points may be angled relative to the longitudinal axis A of the plate 700. Similarly, a second virtual line segment L2 connecting a repeating pattern of three holes (e.g., 230 f-230 h) through their respective center points may be angled relative to the longitudinal axis A of the plate 700. Although two virtual line segments L1, L2 are shown it is evident that the same repeating pattern of three holes repeats along the length of the plate 700. Each line segment L1, L2 connecting a repeating pattern of three holes through their respective center points may be generally aligned substantially parallel to one another.

The center point of the center hole 230 d, 230 g of each repeating pattern may be aligned generally along the longitudinal axis A of the plate 700. In addition, indentations 238 of the scallop 236 along the anterior and posterior sidewalls 206, 208 may be generally aligned with the center hole 230 d, 230 g of each repeating pattern. As best seen in FIG. 14, the center of the scallops 236 on both of the side surfaces 206, 208 are aligned with the center of the middle row of shaft holes. The indentations 238 of the scallop 236 along the side surfaces 206, 208 lie on an axis which is perpendicular to the centered longitudinal axis A along the length of the shaft 210. In particular, a virtual line segment L3 connecting a center point for the radius of a first indentation 238 on anterior sidewall 206 to a center point for the radius of a second indentation 238 on the posterior sidewall 208 are generally aligned with the center of the center hole 230 d. Similarly, a virtual line segment L4 connecting a center point for the radius of a third indentation 238 on anterior sidewall 206 to a center point for the radius of a fourth indentation 238 on the posterior sidewall 208 are generally aligned with the center of the center hole 230 g. It will again be appreciated that although two virtual line segments L3, L4 are shown it is evident that the same repeating pattern of three holes repeats along the length of the plate 700. The undulating scallops 236 result in a shaft profile which continually varies in overall width.

Plate 700 further includes a plurality of kickstand holes 235. For example, in this embodiment, the shaft portion 210 may include two kickstand holes 235 separated from one another and oriented in different directions. The kickstand holes 235 may each comprise a polyaxial locking hole for receiving a locking fastener therein. The polyaxial locking kickstand strut holes 235 are designed to target the strong cortical bone in the anteromedial and posteromedial cortices of the medial condyle and promote angular stability.

Similar to plate 600, plate 700 includes a dedicated aiming arm attachment hole 702 and a plurality of indentations 244 surrounding the attachment hole 702. The dedicated aiming arm attachment hole 702 may be a threaded hole, for example, for attaching the attachment post of an associated aiming instrumentation for the system. As shown, the three indentations 244 or blind openings may be rounded or spherical, to help accommodate a portion of an instrument (e.g., an attachment post of an associated aiming instrument).

The distal portion 204 of the bone plate 700, configured to reside at or near the condylar region of the femur 5, may include a plurality of holes or openings 240 a, 240 b, 240 c, 240 d, 240 e, 240 f, 240 g, 240 h, 240 i, such as polyaxial locking holes, that are configured to receive one or more fasteners or screws therein. This is substantially similar to plate 200 except hole 240 j is omitted. One or more k-wire holes 242 may also be positioned in the distal portion 204 of the plate 700.

The thickness of the plate 700 may vary from about 4.5 mm proximally to about 3.6 mm distally varying through the metaphyseal and epiphyseal regions. Like the narrow plate 600, the transition in thickness may begin about 129 mm from the most distal edge of the plate. The width of the plate may vary from about 39 mm wide in the head of the plate 700 to about 24 mm wide in the shaft 210 of the plate 700. The transition in width also begins about 129 mm from the most distal edge of the plate 700.

The main differentiating qualities between the broad plate 700 and the narrow plate 600 are the overall size of the plates and the total number of each type of feature. The distal portion of the plate 700 is about 6 mm wider than that of the narrow plate 600, thereby permitting space for one additional 4.5 mm polyaxial locking hole resulting in a total of 9 polyaxial holes in the distal cluster. As this plate 700 is designed to fill the majority of the lateral femoral condyle and/or abut against the femoral component of a total knee arthroplasty, the lag screw groove is eliminated in the broad plate 700.

The shaft 210 of the broad plate 700 is about 6.5 mm wider than that of the narrow plate 600. With more space, the alternating pattern of polyaxial locking holes in the shaft is increased from 2-wide to 3-wide. Additionally, the waisted edge scallops 236 are slightly larger to take into account the wider shaft 210.

FIGS. 15 and 16 show the longest lengths for each of the two lateral plates 800, 900. These plates 800, 900 are substantially the same as those shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, respectively, and like elements are labeled the same. In these embodiments, the plates 800, 900 further include an additional kickstand opening, 335, 435, respectively, and the associated indentations or blind openings 144, 244, respectively, to help accommodate a portion of an instrument (e.g., an attachment post of the associated aiming instrument). The total length of these plates 800, 900 is about 458 mm and the radius of curvature (i.e., anterior bow) is about 1200 mm. Plate lengths decrease by approximately 31-33 mm, resulting in 11 lengths of each lateral plate and a shortest length of about 137 mm.

The pattern of staggered polyaxial holes 330, 430 occurs in the shaft of both lateral plates. The staggered hole pattern in the shaft provides increased pull-out resistance and helps to prevent new linear fracture lines in the metaphyseal and diaphyseal regions. Two DCP slots 332 break the stacked hole pattern at the 1st and 6th holes in the narrow plate (FIG. 15), which may be useful in non-unions and osteotomies.

In the broad plate 900, the polyaxial holes 430 follow the three-hole diagonal pattern, described with reference to FIG. 14, along the entire length of the shaft, nominally angled parallel to the center row of holes 430 but can be targeted inwards or outwards in order to dodge other implants such as total hip or knee arthroplasties.

Turning now to FIG. 17, the medial locking plate 1000 is similar to plate 500 shown in FIG. 8 and like elements are numbered the same. Medial locking plate 1000 may be advantageous in that the bottom surface 508 of the plate 1000 in contact with bone is anatomically contoured to abut the corresponding contours of the adjacent bone. For example, FIG. 18 illustrates the epicondylar ridge 1002 of the medial condyle, which is a bony protrusion located on the medial side of the femur's distal end. In order to accommodate the epicondylar ridge 1002, the plate 1000 may include one or more of a raised posterior edge H1, an anterior radius R3, and a raised height H2. As shown in FIG. 19, the posterior edge 546 may be raised relative to the anterior edge 548 to conform to the average height of the epicondylar ridge 1002 of the medial condyle. For example, the posterior edge 546 may be higher than anterior edge 548 by a height H1. Height H1 of the raised posterior edge 546 may be about 10-14 mm, or about 12 mm, as compared to the anterior edge 548. Turning to FIG. 20, the bottom surface 508 of the plate 1000 may include an anterior radius R3. The anterior radius R3, for example, along the anterior edge 548, may be contoured to the distal end of the femur. For example, the radius R3 may range from about 28-32 mm, or about 30 mm. In addition, the height H2 of the distal portion 504 may be raised relative to the shaft 510 of the plate 1000. For example, the height H2 may be about 9-10 mm, or about 9.5 mm. The anterior radius R3 and raised height H2 relative to the plate shaft 510 are designed to conform to the average size of the anteromedial third of the medial condyle. These unique anatomic features provide for a better fit to the bone and may provide better patient outcomes.

Plate 1000 may include holes 530, 540, kickstand holes 535, articulated tensioning device (ATD) hole 524, and k-wire holes 522, 542 as already described herein. The holes 530, 540 may be locking holes, such as polyaxial locking holes. In particular, the locking holes may be thread-forming holes such that the fastener locks to the plate 1000 when inserted therein. The locking holes 530, 540, for example, provided in all portions of the plate 1000, permit the creation of a fixed angle construct which helps to prevent both varus collapse and screw backout, even in cases of osteoporosis.

The medial locking plate 1000 may be inserted through an incision over the anteromedial aspect of the distal femur or an S-shaped incision on the posterior side of the knee joint. The plate 1000 is designed to sit on the most anterior third of the medial condyle, directly on top of the medial epicondyle. Plate 1000 may provide the same types of features as the narrow and broad lateral plates including all polyaxial locking holes 540 in the distal cluster and polyaxial locking holes 530 along the shaft 510 and two polyaxial locking kickstand strut holes 535 designed to target the strong cortical bone in the posterolateral cortex of the condyle and promote angular stability. The thickness of the plate 1000 may vary from about 3.0 mm proximally to about 2.25 mm distally with the transition occurring in the metaphyseal region of the plate 1000.

Unlike other plates that may lead to misplacement or are improperly contoured, the plates described in embodiments herein may have raised contours on their respective posterior sides to sit more flush on the condylar anatomy and provide surgeons with a way to key in the plate in the correct location. By having a large number of options for fixation along the plates, helps in preventing varus collapse and loss of fixation in poor bone quality. Many options for points of fixation become even more important in highly comminuted articular blocks or when other existing implants may need to be avoided.

Referring to FIGS. 21-37, an aiming guide system 1100 in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure will be described. Generally, the aiming guide system 1100 includes an aiming arm 1102 that attaches to the bone plate 300 via a connection assembly 1128 that includes a single attachment post 1140 and threaded shaft 1130 engaged with the plate 300. While the aiming guide system 1100 is shown and described with respect to bone plate 300, it is understood that the system 1100 may be sized and configured to be utilized with various bone plates including the other plates described herein. The angle of the attachment post 1140 relative to the top surface of the plate 300 is designed such that the post 1140 and subsequent assembly items do not block access to the distal cluster of screw holes 340 in the plate. The aiming arm 1102 keys into place on the attachment post 1140 and is oriented with the proper side facing up (for a left femur procedure, the surface label “LEFT” should be facing up). A two-piece fastener completes the assembly of the aiming arm 1102 to the plate 300, including a washer 1160 which lays flush against the upper surface of the aiming arm 1102 and a spherical nut 1170 that tightens onto the threaded shaft 1130.

Referring to FIG. 21, the aiming arm 1102 accepts tissue protection sleeves 1180. The sleeves 1180 provide a portal into small incisions through which trocars 1245, drill sleeves 1210, k-wire sleeves 1236, dynamic compression sleeves 1250, drills 1230, drivers, and screws may pass. The sleeves 1180 clip into place on either surface of the aiming arm 1102 (depending on whether the procedure is being performed on a right or left femur). The accurate and rigid interface of the sleeves 1180 with the aiming arm 1102 functions to properly align the sleeves 1180 to provide the nominal (0°) angle of the holes 328, 330, 332 in the shaft of the plate 300. The kickstand sleeve 1180′ is another type of tissue protection sleeve, providing a similar portal for trocars, drill sleeves, and the like, but is designed to align with the two oblique “kickstand” screw holes 335 in the plate 300.

Having generally described the aiming guide system 1100, illustrative components, along with assembly and operation thereof, will be described. Referring to FIG. 22, the aiming arm 1102 has a generally rigid body 1104 extending from a proximal end 1103 to a distal end 1105. The arm body 1104 has a length shorter than the plate 300 such that the proximal end 1103 thereof is slightly distal of the proximal end 302 of the plate 300 and the distal end 1105 is proximal of the distal end 304 of the plate 300 such that the screw holes 340 remain unobstructed. An attachment area 1106 extends from the distal end 1105 of the arm body 1104 and defines an attachment slot 1108 extending through the arm body 1104. The attachment slot 1108 is configured to receive the orienting boss 1146 on the attachment post 1140 as will be described in more detail hereinafter. As illustrated in FIG. 21, upon connection of the aiming arm 1102 to the plate 300, the attachment area 1106 is offset to the side of plate 300 and does not obstruct the plate 300.

The arm body 1104 may be manufactured from a radiolucent material to prevent obstructing lateral imaging during the procedure. The aiming arm 1102 may be configured to be reversible, i.e., when one surface is facing upward, the arm 1102 is configured for a lefthanded plate and when the opposite surface is facing upward, the arm 1102 is configured for a righthanded plate. Additionally, the arm body 1104 may have different configurations for narrow lateral plates versus broad lateral plates. In at least one embodiment, there is one left-right reversible arm for the narrow lateral plate and one left-right reversible arm for the broad lateral plate. A plate identifier 1107 may be printed on each surface to identify to the user the arm configuration and orientation. Additionally, or alternatively, in at least one embodiment, the attachment location of the aiming arm 1102 to the attachment post 1140 may include a rounded groove or slot to accept a ball-end pin or the like in the orienting boss 1146 of the attachment post 1140 only when the aiming arm 1102 is assembled in the correct orientation, as described hereinafter with respect to FIG. 27.

Referring to FIGS. 22-24, a plurality of aiming holes 1110 are defined through the aiming arm 1102. Each aiming hole 1110 has a through bore 1112 which extends through the arm body 1104 and aligns with a respective screw hole 328, 330, 332 of the plate 300 when the aiming arm 1102 is attached relative to the plate 300. The aiming holes 1110 may be numbered with indicators 1118 on the side and/or each surface of the arm body 1104 to indicate the associated targeted hole 328, 330, 332 in the plate 300.

Each aiming hole 1110 includes, on each surface of the arm body 1104, a recess 1114 about the through bore 1112. The recesses 1114 are configured to receive a portion of the head member 1186 of a tissue protection sleeve 1180. The recess 1114 preferably has a non-round shape which complements the shape of the head member 1186 such that the head member 1186 is received and retained in a fixed position. An undercut 1116 is defined within each recess 1114 to receive a locking tab 1196 on the tissue protection sleeve 1180, as will be described in more detail hereinafter.

In both the narrow and broad aiming arms, the recess 1114 and undercut 1116 features are mirrored about the mid-plane of the aiming arm 1102 such that tissue protection sleeves 1180 can be inserted from either side of the reversible embodiment of the aiming arm 1102. The undercuts 1116 meet at the mid-plane of each bore 1112, resulting in a continuous groove in which the retention ledge 1198 of the locking tab 1196 will sit. In the narrow aiming arm as illustrated in FIG. 23, the undercut 1116 is fully circumferential about the central axis of each bore 1112. In the broad aiming arm as illustrated in FIG. 24, the axis of revolution of the undercut 1116 is offset by 2 mm, resulting in an undercut which only consumes about 35% of the circumference of each bore 1112.

Referring again to FIG. 22, a projection 1120 extends outwardly from each side of the arm body 1104. Each projection 1120 defines upper and lower sloped surfaces 1122. A kickstand targeting hole 1124 is through each sloped surface 1122 and has an axis generally perpendicular to the sloped surface 1122. Each kickstand targeting hole 1124 exits the projection on the opposite surface of the arm body 1104 at an exit hole 1126. The kickstand targeting holes 1124 permit nominal targeting of the two oblique kickstand screw holes 335 in the distal cluster of the plate 300. Each kickstand targeting hole 1124 may have a visual indicator 1118 next to the hole. For example, the holes may be labeled A for anterior and P for posterior.

A connection assembly 1128 in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 25-30. The connection assembly 1128 a threaded shaft 1130, a single attachment post 1140, and a two-piece fastener including a washer 1160 and a spherical nut 1170. Referring to FIG. 25, the threaded shaft 1130 includes a shaft body 1132 extending between ends 1131 and 1133. Each end 1131, 1133 includes threads 1134, 1136, respectively, and a driver-receiving bore 1135, for example, configured to receive a hexalobe screwdriver. The threaded shaft 1130 is preferably reversible, with identical threads 1134, 1136 at each end. In at least one embodiment, the tips of the threaded shaft contain a blunted first thread 1137 to promote self-centering of the shaft 1130 and help prevent cross-threading in the plate 300. While not illustrated, it is recognized that the threaded shaft 1130 may be cannulated through its long central axis to permit the placement of a k-wire through the attachment slot 1108 of the aiming arm 1102 for preliminary fixation.

The attachment post 1140 includes a hollow tube 1142 extending from a proximal end 1141 to a distal end 1143. A radial mating surface 1148 extends outwardly from the proximal end 1141 of the tube 1142 and the orienting boss 1146 extends upwardly from the mating surface 1148. The mating surface 1148 extends at an acute angle relative to the axis of the hollow tube 1142. The mating surface 1148 is oriented such that the aiming arm 1102 will lie flat on the mating surface 1148 when slid over the orienting boss 1146. The orienting boss 1146 preferably has a configuration which dictates the orientation of the aiming arm 1102. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the orienting boss 1146 has a rectangular configuration such that when the orienting boss 1146 is engaged within the attachment slot 1108 of the aiming arm 1102, the aiming arm 1102 must be properly aligned with the bone plate 300. The orienting boss 1146 is not limited to a rectangular configuration, but may have other configurations, for example, oval shaped, trapezoidal, pentagonal.

Additionally, or alternatively, a keying feature may be provided between the attachment slot and the orienting boss. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 27, one face of the orienting boss 1146′, for example, the proximal side, includes a ball-end pin 1147 or other keying member extending therefrom. The ball-end pin 1147 is positioned some distance away from the center plane of the boss 1146′. The attachment area 1106′ of the arm body 1104′ defines an attachment slot 1108′ with a corresponding groove 1109 positioned to receive the keying member 1147 provided the aiming arm 1102 is in the proper orientation. Since the keying member 1147 is off center, if the arm body 1104′ illustrated in FIG. 27 was flipped over, the groove 1109 would no longer align with the keying member 1147 and the orienting boss 1146′ would not be receivable in the attachment slot 1108′.

An attachment block 1150 extends from the distal end 1143 of the hollow tube 1142. The distal surface 1152 of the attachment block 1150 is offset and contoured to match the contour of the plate 300 at the attachment location. A plurality of ball end pins 1154 extend from the distal surface 1152. The ball end pins 1154 are configured to align with and engage the indentations 344 in the plate 300 (see FIG. 6). The engagement of the ball end pins 1154 in the indentations 344 ensures a proper orientation of the attachment post 1140 with the plate 300, and thereby, a proper orientation of the aiming arm 1102 with the plate 300. A continuous through bore 1144 extends through the attachment post 1140 from the orienting boss 1146, through the hollow tube 1142 and through the attachment block 1150 such that the attachment post 1140 may be slid over the threaded shaft 1130. The cannulation through the post 1140 matches the angle of the shaft 1130 relative to the top of the plate 300 as shown in FIG. 30. As such, once assembled, the trajectories of the holes 1110 in the aiming arm 1102 will align with the trajectories of the holes 328, 330, 332 in the shaft of the plate 300.

Referring to FIGS. 29 and 30, the two-piece fastener includes the washer 1160 and the spherical nut 1170. The purpose of the two-piece fastener is to provide a simplified, streamlined assembly mechanism that permits lagging of the plate 300, post 1140, and aiming arm 1102 together in one step. As the axis A1 of the threaded shaft 1130 and the plane P1 of the aiming arm's mating surface are not normal to one another, the fastener required to lag the guide system together must be able to be oriented to the shaft 1130 and the aiming arm 1102 individually. The washer 1160 and spherical nut 1170 described herein achieve such individual orientation. The pre-determined orientation would be fixed such that the bottom surface of the washer would lie flush with the top surface of the aiming arm and the central axis of the nut would lie co-axial with the central axis of the threaded shaft. The washer 1160 includes a base member 1162 with a contact surface 1164. A hole 1163 extends through the base member 1162 such that the threaded shaft 1130 may pass therethrough. A plurality of fingers 1166 extend upward from the base member 1162. The fingers 1166 along with the base member 1162 define a semi-spherical seat 1168 for the spherical nut 1170.

The spherical nut 1170 includes a shaft 1172 extending between a ball portion 1174 and a handle member 1176. The ball portion 1174 has a semi-spherical configuration which complements that of the seat 1168. The fingers 1166 are configured to allow the ball portion 1174 of the spherical nut 1170 to be snapped into the seat 1168 and thereafter retain the ball portion 1174 within the seat 1168. With such a configuration, the spherical nut 1170 can move freely within the washer 1160 but remains contained to avoid additional parts. A distal end of the ball portion 1174 defines an opening 1175 into a threaded bore 1178. The threaded bore 1178 is configured to threadably engage the threads 1134, 1136 at either end 1131, 1133 of the threaded shaft 1130. When the spherical nut 1170 is oriented with the threaded shaft 1130 and tightened, the washer 1160 self-aligns with the mating surface of the aiming arm 1102, completing the rigid connection of the arm 1102 to the plate 300.

Referring to FIGS. 31 and 31, a guide assembly with an alternative embodiment of the connection assembly 1128′ will be described. In the present embodiment, the two-piece fastener is replaced with a fixed axis fastener including a washer 1160′ and nut 1170′ which are fixed together such that the nut 1170′ is rotatable about a singular axis A2. The angle of axis A2 is selected to match the angle of the axis Al of the attachment post 1140. The washer 1160′ includes a base member 1162′ which defines a contact surface 1164. A nut attachment shaft 1165 extends from the base member 1162′ and is configured to receive and rotatably retain the shaft 1172′ of the nut 1170′. The nut shaft 1172′ may be connected to the nut attachment shaft 1165 via radial tabs engaging a rim within the nut attachment shaft 1165 or any other suitable means for rotatably connecting the nut shaft 1172′ to the nut attachment shaft 1165. The fixed orientation of the nut attachment shaft 1165, only permits rotational motion of the nut 1170′ about the nut's central axis. The nut shaft 1172′ includes internal threads configured to threadably engage the threads 1134, 1136 at either end 1131, 1133 of the threaded shaft 1130. With the angle of the axis A2 of the nut 1170′ matching that of the attachment post axis Al, the contact surface 1164 of the washer 1160′ will be parallel to and lie against the surface of the arm body 1104.

Having generally described the components of the connection assembly 1128, attachment of the aiming arm 1102 to the plate 300 will be described with reference to FIGS. 29 and 30. As a first step, the threaded shaft 1130 is assembled onto the plate 300. The threads 1136 threadably engage the threads of one of the holes 340 in the plate 300. The threaded shaft 1130 can be final tightened with a hexalobe screwdriver or the like engaged with the driver-engagement bore 1135. The attachment post 1140 is slid over the threaded shaft 1130 and the ball end pins 1154 align with and engage the indentations 344 in the plate 300. The aiming arm 1102 is then positioned such that the orienting boss 1146 is received in the attachment slot 1108. The two-piece fastener is then positioned such that the contact surface 1164 of the washer 1160 sits on the upper surface of the aiming arm 1102 and the threaded shaft 1130 is received into the threaded bore 1178 of the spherical nut 1170. The handle 1176 is then used to tighten the nut 1170 as the threaded bore 1178 engages the threads 1134. As the spherical nut 1170 is tightened, the washer 1160 self-aligns with the mating surface of the aiming arm 1102, completing the rigid connection of the arm 1102 to the plate 300. As can be seen from FIGS. 29 and 30, upon connection, the plane P1 of the mating surface 1148 of the attachment post 1140 and the plane P2 of the contact surface 1164 of the washer 1160 are parallel to one another. Accordingly, the trajectories of the holes 1110 in the aiming arm 1102 will align with the trajectories of the holes 328, 330, 332 in the shaft of the plate 300.

Referring to FIGS. 33 and 34, an embodiment of a tissue protection sleeve 1180 will be described. The tissue protection sleeve 1180 is configured to be inserted into one of the aiming holes 1110 with a 1-to-1 association with the holes 328, 330, 332 in either the narrow or broad lateral plates 300. The tissue protection sleeve 1180 includes a shaft 1182 extending from a proximal end 1181 to a distal end 1183. A through bore 1184 extends through the shaft 1182 from the proximal end 1181 to the distal end 1183. The distal end 1183 may have a slight taper thereto to minimize tissue disruption.

As described above, a head member 1186 configured to seat in a desired orientation within the recess 1114 of one of the aiming holes 1110 is defined at the proximal end 1181 of the shaft 1182. Additionally, the proximal end 1181 of the shaft 1182 defines the locking tab 1196 which is configured to engage in the undercut 1116 of the aiming hole 1110. The locking tab 1196 is releasable such that the sleeve 1180 is removable from the aiming hole 1110. To facilitate such, a slot 1194 is defined in the shaft 1182 such that a pivotal locking arm 1190 is defined. The free end of the pivotal locking arm 1190 defines an unlocking button 1192. The locking tab 1196 is positioned along the locking arm 1190 distally of the unlocking button 1192. The locking tab 1196 has a sloped surface extending to the retention ledge 1198. Accordingly, as the tissue protection sleeve 1180 is inserted into the aiming hole 1110, the sloped surface of the locking tab 1196 will contact the through bore 1112 and the locking arm 1190 will pivot radially inward, allowing the locking tab 1196 to pass through the bore 1112. Once the locking tab 1196 passes the bore 1112 and is aligned with the undercut 1116, the pivotal locking arm 1190 will automatically return to its initial position, with the retention ledge 1198 engaging the undercut 1116, as shown in FIG. 34. In at least one embodiment, when inserted properly, an audible click is heard as the retention ledge 1198 engages the aiming hole's undercut 1116. To remove the tissue protection sleeve 1180, the unlocking button 1192 is squeezed toward the head portion 1186 of the sleeve 1180, releasing the ledge 1198 from the undercut 1116. The sleeve 1180 can then be pulled free from the aiming arm 1102. With reference to FIG. 21, the tissue protection sleeve 1180 may receive instruments directly, for example, trocar 1245, or may receive additional sleeves, for example, drilling sleeve 1200 or dynamic compression sleeve 1250, which in turn receive instruments.

In the illustrated embodiment, the kickstand tissue protection sleeve 1180′ is substantially the same as the tissue protection sleeves 1180 described above except at the proximal end 1181′ thereof. Instead of a head member 1186 and locking arm 1190, a handle 1255 extends radially from the proximal end 1181′. The handle 1255 facilitates greater control and rotation of the kickstand tissue protection sleeve 1180′ as it is inserted at an angle relative to the bone plate 300. In other aspects, the sleeve 1180′ is the same as in the previous embodiment and facilitates passage of drill sleeves, screws and the like as described herein.

Referring to FIGS. 35 and 36, an embodiment of a drill sleeve 1200 positionable within one of the tissue protection sleeves 1180, 1180′ will be described. The drill sleeve 1200 includes an outer sleeve body 1202 extending from a proximal end 1201 to a distal end 1203. A through bore 1204 extends through the outer body sleeve 1202 from the proximal end 1201 to the distal end 1203. A collet 1206 is defined at the distal end 1203 of the outer sleeve body 1202. Slots 1208 on either side of the outer sleeve body 1202 allow the collet 1206 to collapse and return to its natural expanded position. The drill sleeve 1200 also includes an inner drill sleeve body 1210 which extends from a proximal end 1211 to a distal end 1213. A through bore 1214 extends through the inner body sleeve 1210 from the proximal end 1211 to the distal end 1213. The distal end 1213 of the inner drill sleeve 1210 is sized to be positioned within the bore 1204 of the outer sleeve body 1202. The proximal end 1211 of the inner drill sleeve body 1210 includes a gripable head member 1216 and a rotation tab 1218. In an initial position, the inner sleeve body 1210 is only partially inserted into the outer sleeve body 1202 such that the distal end 1213 thereof is clear of the collapsible collet 1206.

The drill sleeve 1200 may be inserted into one of the tissue protection sleeves 1180, 1180′ with the inner sleeve body 1210 in the initial position. The drill sleeve 1200 is advanced through the tissue protection sleeve 1180, 1180′ until the collet 1206 of the outer sleeve body 1202 compresses and snaps into any of the holes 328, 330, 332, 335 of the plate 300. Once the outer sleeve body 1202 is fully seated, the collet 1206 is held in the expanded position by depressing the inner sleeve body 1210 until the distal end 1213 thereof is aligned with the collet 1206, as illustrated in FIG. 36. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner sleeve body 1210 is depressed by rotating the tab 1218. In other embodiments of the drill sleeve, this can be achieved by pressing axially, rotating a nut, depressing a lever, or the like. With the drill sleeve 1200 locked in place, the inner sleeve through bore 1214 is configured to receive various instruments, for example, as shown in FIG. 21, a drill 1230, a k-wire 1235, or a positioning pin 1240.

Alternatively, a dynamic compression sleeve 1250 can be inserted into the tissue protection sleeve 1180 to allow off-axis predrilling and permit compression through a dynamic compression hole 332 in either direction in the long axis of the plate 300. The dynamic compression sleeve has a bore 1252 with an axis that is offset a given distance, for example, by about 1 mm, from the central axis of the sleeve 1250. With the sleeve 1250 in a first orientation, the off axis bore 1252 is offset the given distance in the proximal direction of the plate 300 and when rotated 180°, is offset the given distance in the distal direction of the plate 300. The sleeve 1250 has a tab 1254 which is aligned and press-fit into a tab in the head member 1186 of the tissue protection sleeve 1180 to properly clock its orientation. The holes 1110 in the aiming arm 1102 that align with dynamic compression holes 332 in the plate 300 may be marked, for example, outlined with white paint 1119 on the aiming arm.

Referring to FIGS. 21 and 37, a hole marker 1220 may also press-fit into one of the aiming holes 1110 to allow marking either the last hole in a plate being targeted or a hole which has already been filled with a screw. In the illustrated embodiment, the hole marker 1220 has a handle portion 1222 with a pair of legs 1224 depending therefrom. The legs 1224 are separated from one another by a gap 1227. A circular cut 1226 adjacent the handle portion 1222 allows the legs 1224 to pivot toward one another upon application of an inward force, but then automatically return to the initial position upon removal of such force. The outer sides 1229 of each leg 1224 have a taper such that as the legs 1224 are moved into the through bore 1112 of one of the aiming holes 1110, the legs 1224 will pivot toward one another and pass through. Each leg 1224 also has an outer notch defined therein 1228. When the hole marker 1220 is completely seated in the recess 1114 of the aiming hole 1110, the notch 1228 will receive and engage the wall of the through bore 1112 as the legs 1224 move back toward the initial position. The notches 1228 are sloped such that a sufficient removal force on the handle portion 1222 will cause the leg 1224 to again pivot toward one another and pass in the reverse direction through the through bore 1112.

The aiming guide system 1100 described herein allows for improved lateral imaging and visualization of the fracture. Due to the oblique angle of the threaded shaft 1130, fracture lines are clearly visible in the metaphyseal region of the femur, and access to the distal holes 340 in the head of the plate 300 is maintained. The system 1100 also has fewer components and fewer total assembly steps, allowing for simpler operation and a more streamlined procedure than some of the other available guides.

Attachment of the aiming arm 1102 to the plate 300 is achieved via a smaller rigid connection to the plate than most others on the market. This smaller connection is also located more distally in the plate than other competitive options. Therefore, a smaller incision placed more distally (closer to the articular surface of the knee) can be achieved. With a smaller MIS incision, excessive stripping of the soft tissue and/or periosteum can be avoided and there is a lower chance of wound complications.

Oblique “kickstand” screw holes in a distal femur plate are a unique way to engage the strong bone on the medial condyle of the femur and promote stabilization of the construct through triangular, off-axis fixation. Providing a way to target the nominal axis of the kickstand holes through the guide system allows an easier, MIS approach to placing locking or non-locking screws in these oblique holes.

Turning now to FIGS. 38-66, an aiming guide system 1300 is shown in accordance with one embodiment. Aiming guide system 1300 is similar to aiming guide system 1100 and like elements will be labeled the same. The aiming guide arm 1102 attaches to the bone plate 300 via two kinematic mounts including a single attachment post 1140 and threaded shaft 1130 engaged with the plate 300. In this embodiment, the attachment slot 1108 and boss 1146 may include a cylindrical interface and v-notches 1328 with a cross pin 1330 to control six degrees of freedom. The polyaxial nut assembly 1170 secures the connection assembly 1128 and provides for angular flexibility and self-centering properties. The aiming through holes 1110 in the aiming arm 1102 may include slots 1380 configured to engage with a tab 1382 on the tissue sleeve 1180, thereby keying the tissue sleeve 1180 to the aiming arm 1102. While the aiming guide system 1300 is shown and described with respect to bone plate 300, it is understood that the system 1300 may be sized and configured to be utilized with various bone plates including the other plates described herein.

Referring to FIG. 38, the aiming guide system 1300 includes aiming arm 1102 which is configured to attach to plate 300. The aiming guide 1102 attaches to the plate 300 via the attachment post 1140 and threaded shaft 1130 engaged with the plate 300. The post 1140 may be aligned with dedicated geometry on the plate 300. The tilt and angle of the attachment post 1140 relative to the top surface of the plate 300 is designed such that the post 1140 and subsequent assembly items do not block access to the distal cluster of screws 340 in the plate 300. The aiming arm 1102 keys into place on the attachment post 1140. The aiming arm 1102 may be reversible to accommodate procedures on the left or right femur, for example. A polyaxial nut assembly 1170 completes the assembly of the guide 1102 to the plate 300.

The aiming arm 1102 accepts one or more tissue protection sleeves 1180. The tissue protection sleeves 1180 provide a portal into small incisions through which trocars 1245, drill sleeves 1200, k-wire sleeves 1236, drills 1230, drivers, and screws may pass. The sleeves 1180 may clip into place on either face of the aiming arm 1102 (depending on whether the procedure is being performed on a right or left femur). An accurate and rigid interface of the sleeve 1180 with the guide 1102 optimizes the function of the aiming guide 1102 as a whole since the sleeves 1180 provide the nominal (0) angle of the holes 328, 330 in the shaft of the plate 300. The kickstand sleeve 1400, another type of tissue protection sleeve 1180, provides a similar portal for the same items, but designed to interface with the two oblique kickstand screw holes 335 in the plate.

Prior to insertion of a tissue protection sleeve 1180, a scalpel 1302 may be used to create accurately located and appropriately sized incisions through skin and tissue. The scalpel 1302 may include a scalpel blade handle 1304 with a standard surgical blade 1306 intraoperatively attached. The scalpel 1302 may be positioned through one or more aiming holes 1110 in the aiming arm 1102. The scalpel blade handle 1304 may be guided by the same geometry in the aiming guide 1102 as the tissue sleeves 1180. The scalpel 1302 may bottom out at an appropriate depth to prevent a collision between the blade 1306 and plate 300.

A hole marker 1220 may be used to indicate or block a relevant position in the aiming guide 1102 which may enhance the surgical flow. Although the tissue sleeves 1180, k-wire sleeve 1236, trocar 1245, positioning pin 1240, drill 1230, and scalpel 1302 are shown at a certain number or position along the aiming arm 1102, it will be appreciated that the user may position these devices in any suitable aiming hole 1110 at any suitable position to align with the plate 300 and perform the desired procedure.

With emphasis on FIG. 39, aiming arm 1102 includes a plurality of aiming holes 1110, a pair of kickstand targeting holes 1124, and an attachment location or attachment slot 1108 for coupling the attachment post 1140 to the plate 300. In this embodiment, the attachment location 1108 defines a cylindrical hole 1310 configured to receive a cylindrical boss 1146 of the attachment post 1140.

Each aiming arm 1102 may be configured to match the specific hole geometry of a particular family of plates. For example, for a distal femur system, there may be two plate geometries (broad and narrow) and two corresponding aiming arm geometries (broad and narrow). The aiming arms 1102 may be reversible, for example, to accommodate anatomic left/right plate variations. The aiming arms 1102 may be manufactured from a radiolucent material, such as carbon fiber reinforced with PEEK, to prevent obstructing lateral imaging during the procedure. The variety and hand of the aiming guide 1102 may be indicated through a guide indicator 1107 on the face of the aiming guide 1102 (e.g., “NARROW LEFT”). The shaft targeting holes 1110, defined through the aiming arm 1102, may be numbered with indicators 1118 on the side, top, and/or each surface of the arm body 1104 to indicate the associated targeted hole 328, 330, 332 in the plate 300. The kickstand targeting holes 1124 permit nominal targeting of the two oblique kickstand screws in the distal cluster of the plate 300. The tissue protection sleeves 1180, drill sleeves 1200, and other instrumentation are compatible with both the narrow and broad aiming arms 1102.

The attachment location or slot 1108 is configured to form one part of a pair of reversible kinematic mounts. The attachment location 1108 may define a cylindrical hole 1310 configured to receive a corresponding cylindrical boss 1320 of the attachment post 1140. The cylindrical hole 1310 extends through the aiming arm 1102 from a top face to a bottom face of the aiming arm 1102 near the distal end 1105 of the arm 1102. As shown in FIG. 40, the attachment location 1108 may include an optional tubular insert 1312, such as a metallic insert. The tubular insert 1312 may have a threaded interface 1314 with the radiolucent aiming arm 1102. The metallic insert 1312 may provide a hard bearing surface for the kinematic mount. The threaded insert 1312 may be permanently bonded to the aiming arm 1102, for example, with epoxy and/or cross pinned 1316 in place to prevent rotation and removal. The insert 1312 may help with reinforcement and durability over the life of the instrument.

Turning now to FIGS. 41-46, the aiming arm 1102 and plate 300 are precisely oriented with respect to each other to ensure accurate targeting of the holes 328, 330 in the plate 300. Accurate and repeatable connections between the aiming arm 1102 and plate 300 may be ensured by the pair of kinematic mounts. The first kinematic mount is between the plate 300 and attachment post 1140, and the second kinematic mount is between the aiming arm 1102 and the attachment post 1140.

With emphasis on FIG. 42, the first kinematic mount between the plate 300 and attachment post 1140 is shown. This connection was previously described in detail with respect to FIG. 28. For example, the first kinematic mount may include a set of three semi-spherical protrusions 1154 which engage in conical indentations 344 in the plate 300. Each sphere 1154 has an accurate geometric location in the cone 344. The three sphere-cone interfaces 344, 1154 together constrain all six degrees of freedom between the attachment post 1140 and the plate 300. The attachment post 1140 and the plate 300 may be held in contact by the tension created by the threaded shaft 1130. The threaded shaft 1130 may be non-reversible and engages with machine threads 1318 into a dedicated hole in the plate 300. The shaft 1130 passes through a central cannulation 1326 of the attachment post 1140 and its spherical protrusions 1154. The tips of the threaded shaft 1130 may contain a blunted first thread to prevent cross-threading in the plate 300. The threaded shaft 1130 may be cannulated through its long central axis to allow the passage of a k-wire 1235.

Turning now to FIGS. 43-44, the second kinematic mount between the aiming arm 1102 and attachment post 1140 is shown. The second kinematic mount includes a boss 1146 coupled to the attachment post 1140. In this embodiment, the boss 1146 is a cylindrical boss 1320, which is receivable in the cylindrical opening 1310 in the aiming arm 1102. The cylindrical boss 1320 includes an annular body with a central opening 1324. The central opening 1324 has a hole axis A3. When the boss 1320 is received in the cylindrical opening 1310, the hole axis A3 may be aligned generally perpendicular to the body of the aiming arm 1102. The attachment post 1140 includes a hollow tube 1142 defining a central cannulation or channel 1326. The channel 1326 has a central cannulation axis A4. The boss opening 1324 is in fluid communication with the central channel 1326. The attachment post 1140 may be constructed on a non-normal axis relative to the aiming guide 1102. That is, the central cannulation axis A4 and the cylindrical boss axis A3 are not aligned. As best seen in FIG. 45, this non-alignment allows the attachment post 140 and polyaxial nut 1170 to be located in a more favorable location (e.g., the segmented circle does not overlap the plate 300) on the aiming guide 1102, thereby removing obstructions from a radiographic view of the plate 300 and fracture site.

As best seen in FIGS. 40 and 44, the face of the aiming guide 1102 may define a pair of notches 1328 about the opening 1310. The notches 1328 are configured to receive a cross pin 1330. The notches 1328 may form v-shaped notches or other suitable indentations for receiving the cross pin 1330. The v-shaped notches may be oriented 180 degrees to each other about the cylindrical opening 1310. A first set of v-shaped notches 1324 may be indented into a top face of the aiming arm 1102 and a second set of v-shaped notches 1324 may be indented on the opposite face of the aiming arm 1102 to allow the mechanism to be reversible and accommodate a mirrored attachment post 1140. As best seen in FIG. 40, when the insert 1312 is present, the v-shaped notches 1328 may be indented into the outer face(s) of the insert 1312. The cylindrical boss 1320 and corresponding hole 1310 control four degrees of freedom and the cylindrical cross pin 1330 and v-shaped notches 1328 control the final two degrees of freedom. The arrangement of the pin 1330 and v-shaped notches 1328 together may eliminate tolerance-related toggle about the cylindrical boss 1320.

Turning now to FIGS. 46-48, the tension in the threaded shaft 1130 may be created by tightening a polyaxial nut assembly 1170. The polyaxial nature of the nut 1170 allows it to self-center on the threaded shaft 1130 and match the angulation of the aiming guide 1102. Any angulation error present in the attachment post 1140 or aiming guide 1102 is effectively absorbed by the flexibility in the nut 1170. As best seen in FIG. 41, the tension created passes through the following loop of components: plate 300 to attachment post 1140 to aiming arm 1102 to polyaxial nut 1170 to threaded shaft 1130. The polyaxial nut assembly 1170 includes frictional elements such that nut 1170 will not tilt due to gravity and is able to connect to the aiming guide 1102 in a lateral orientation.

The polyaxial nut 1170 is an assembly of components that provide angular flexibility and self-centering properties. The polyaxial nut assembly 1170 includes a spherical nut 1340 with a shaft 1342 extending between a ball portion 1344 and a handle member 1346. The ball portion 1344 has a semi-spherical configuration which complements that of a seat 1348 in a base 1350. The spherical nut 1340 defines a central through opening 1352 into a threaded bore 1354. The threaded bore 1354 is configured to threadably engage the threads 1134, 1136 at either end 1131, 1133 of the threaded shaft 1130. The handle member 1346 may include a tri-lobe thumb nut (FIG. 46), eight-lobed knob (FIG. 47), or other suitable configuration with grips for providing torque or other movement to the polyaxial nut 1340. The handle member 1346 may be integral with (FIG. 47) or secured to the top of the shaft 1342 with a threaded screw 1356 (FIG. 46), pin, adhesive, or other suitable means.

With emphasis on the embodiment shown in FIG. 46, the base 1350 may include a two-piece captive base assembly with a first upper component 1358 and a second lower component 1360 threadedly interfaced with one another. The upper component 1358 may be configured to surround a top portion of the ball 1344 and may define a plurality of slits 1366 therethrough. The lower component 1360 may receive a lower portion of the ball 1344 and may be positioned between the ball 1344 and the upper face of the aiming arm 1102. A bottom surface of the lower component 1360 may contact an upper face of the aiming arm 1102 and/or an upper face of the cylindrical boss 1320.

In this embodiment, the two-piece washer base assembly 1358, 1360 is configured to hold captive the spherical nut 1340, a polymer washer 1362, and a wave spring 1364. The polymer washer 1362 is configured to fit around the base of the spherical ball portion 1344. The wave spring 1364 may include a single turn wave spring with a gap or overlapping ends positioned in the lower base 1360 beneath the spherical ball portion 1344 of the spherical nut 1340. The captive base 1350 contains the wave spring 1364 and polymeric washer 1362 which together provide friction and allow the spherical nut 1340 to retain its attitude regardless of physical orientation. A nut 1340 without one or more of these frictional elements could tilt due to gravity and may be difficult to assemble in the orientation shown in FIG. 41. When the spherical nut 1340 is oriented with the threaded shaft 1130 and tightened, the lower component 1360 self-aligns with the mating surface of the aiming arm 1102, completing the rigid connection of the arm 1102 to the plate 300.

With emphasis on FIGS. 47-48, another embodiment of the polyaxial nut assembly 1170 is shown with the wave spring 1364 and polymeric washer 1362 replaced by a flexible single-piece polymeric washer 1370. The washer 1362 may include a base member 1350 with a lower contact surface for mating with the aiming guide 1102 and/or top of the cylindrical boss 1320. A hole 1374 extends through the base member 1350. A plurality of fingers 1372 extend upward from the base member 1350. The fingers 1372 along with the base member 1350 define a semi-spherical seat 1348 for the spherical ball 1344. The flexible polymeric washer 1370 and spherical nut 1340 may have an annular interference snap fit. The interference provides frictional resistance. The nut 1340 can be disassembled for cleaning by un-snapping the two components. This configuration may provide a simplified, streamlined assembly mechanism that permits lagging of the plate 300, post 1140, and aiming arm 1102 together in one step.

In this manner, attachment of the aiming guide 1102 to the plate 300 is achieved via a small rigid connection to the plate 300. This small connection is located distally in the plate 300. Therefore, a smaller incision placed more distally (closer to the articular surface of the knee) can be achieved. With a smaller MIS incision, excessive stripping of the soft tissue and/or periosteum can be avoided with a lower chance of wound complications.

Turning now to FIGS. 49-50, the tissue protection sleeve 1180 may be inserted through any of the aiming guide holes 1110. Each aiming hole 1110 includes, on each surface of the arm body 1104, recess 1114 about the through bore 1112 and undercut 1116 defined within each recess 1114. The recess 1114 is configured to receive a tab 1382 of the tissue protection sleeve 1180, thereby orienting the sleeve 1180 in the aiming guide 1102. The tissue protection sleeve 1180 may be secured in the aiming guide 1102 when the retention ledge 1198 of the sleeve 1180 seats in the undercut 1116 of the hole 1110.

In this embodiment, as best seen in FIGS. 49A-49B, the recess 1114 may include a round shape encircling the bore 1112 and at least one slot 1380 for receiving at least one tab 1382 on the tissue protection sleeve 1180. The slot(s) 1380 may include a u-shaped recess positioned along a sector of the opening 1110 that protrudes outwardly past an outer diameter of the recess 1114. In this embodiment, a pair of slots 1380 are oriented 180 degrees to each other which permits the tissue sleeve 1180 to be inserted in two orientations. It will be appreciated that any suitable type, number, and orientation of slots 1380 may be provided to orient the tissue protection sleeve 1180. The tissue protection sleeve 1180 is keyed into place by seating the tab 1382 on the tissue protection sleeve 1180 into one or more slots 1380 about the aiming arm holes 1110. The slots 1380 may be oriented on a hole-by-hole basis to reduce or eliminate the opportunity for adjacent sleeves 1180 to interfere with each other.

As previously described with respect to FIGS. 23-24, the recess 1114 and undercuts 1116 may be mirrored about the mid-plane of the aiming arm 1102 such that tissue protection sleeves 1180 can be inserted from either side of the aiming arm 1102. The undercuts 1116 meet at the mid-plane of each hole 1110, resulting in a continuous groove in which the retention ledge 1198 will sit. The undercut 1116 may be fully circumferential about the central axis of each hole 1110.

As shown in FIGS. 50A-50C, the tissue protection sleeve 1180 may include a tubular shaft 1182 defining a through bore 1184, a head member 1384 configured to sit above the opening 1110, and a pivotal locking arm 1386 with a button or thumb lever 1388 for engaging and releasing the locking tab 1196 from the undercut 1116 in the aiming hole 1110. The free end of the pivotal locking arm 1386 defines the unlocking button or thumb lever 1388. To facilitate the pivotal locking arm 1386, one or more cuts or slots 1390 are defined in the shaft 1182 such that the pivotal locking arm 1386 is defined and a relief cut 1392 separates the thumb lever 1388 from the head member 1384. The thumb lever 1388 may have an L-shaped body with a first portion protruding outward from the tubular shaft 1182 and a second portion extending upward toward the proximal end 1181 of the shaft 1182. A protrusion 1394 extending downwardly from the head 1384 may prevent the thumb lever 1388 from extending too far outward from the body 1182.

The tissue protection sleeve 1180 may include a band or collar 1378 positioned between the thumb lever 1388 and the retention ledge 1198. The collar 1378 may encircle the shaft body 1182 and may be configured to be positioned in the recess 1114 in the aiming hole 1110. The tab 1382 may be positioned on the collar 1378 at a location 180 degrees opposite to the thumb lever 1388. It will be appreciated that the tab or tabs 1382 may be located at any suitable position with respect to the thumb lever 1388 to orient the sleeve 1180 in the desired direction.

The locking tab 1196 is positioned along the locking arm 1386 distally of the unlocking button 1388 and the collar 1378. The locking tab 1196 may include a sloped surface extending to the retention ledge 1198. As the tissue protection sleeve 1180 is inserted into the aiming hole 1110, the sloped surface of the locking tab 1196 will contact the through bore 1112 and the locking arm 1386 will pivot radially inward, allowing the locking tab 1196 to pass through the bore 1112. Once the locking tab 1196 passes the bore 1112 and is aligned with the undercut 1116, the pivotal locking arm 1386 will automatically return to its initial position, with the retention ledge 1198 engaging the undercut 1116, as shown in FIG. 50B. In at least one embodiment, when inserted properly, an audible click may be heard as the sleeve 1180 elastically deforms in the region of the relief cut 1392 and the retention ledge 1198 snaps past the aiming arm's undercut 1116. As best seen in FIG. 50C, to remove the tissue protection sleeve 1180, the thumb lock 1388 and head 1384 of the sleeve 1180 are squeezed together, temporarily elastically deforming the locking arm 1386 of the tissue sleeve 1180, releasing the ledge 1198 from the undercut 1116, thereby allowing for the tissue sleeve 1180 to be pulled upward and free from the aiming arm 1102.

With emphasis on FIGS. 51A-51B, the thumb button 1388 may include one or more features to limit movement of the button 1388 toward or away from the head member 1384 of the tissue protection sleeve 1180. As previously described, the locking arm 1386 of the tissue protection sleeve 1180 is a deformable component that snaps into the aiming arm 1102 at shaft hole locations along the aiming arm 1102, as illustrated in FIGS. 38 and 49A-50C. Deformation of locking arm 1386 and thumb lock 1388 is bounded by one or more intentional mechanical stops 1394, 1396 in each direction, for example, to prevent permanent plastic deformation of the material. During normal use, the thumb lock 1388 of the sleeve 1180 is squeezed, typically at a central location on the thumb lock 1388 (e.g., labeled as an application of force F). A protruding travel bump stop 1396 may be provided on the underside of the thumb button 1388 to limit travel in the direction of force F. The bump stop 1396 may be located directly under the intended point of application of force F. The thumb lock 1388 may also be prevented from extending too far away from the head member 1384 in a direction opposite to force F. For example, integral interlocking geometry 1394 may prevent deformation in this opposite direction. The interlocking geometry, best seen in FIG. 50B (locked configuration) and FIG. 50C (unlocked configuration), may include protrusion 1394 which is translatable along a recess in the top of the first portion of the L-shaped lock 1388. In addition, the geometry of the flexible portion of the tissue protection sleeve 1180 provides for a proximal gap 1398 that remains even when the thumb lock 1388 is fully squeezed against the head member 1384 of the tissue protection sleeve 1180 (as shown in FIG. 51B), which reduces the likelihood of a pinched finger or glove.

With emphasis on FIG. 52, the tissue protection sleeve 1180 has a hollow body and includes a central cannulation 1184 for receiving an instrument therethrough. The head member 1384 may include one or more planar faces to from a generally rectangular body. One or more of the planar faces may include a concave arch, for example, along the side facing the button 1388 and on the opposite side. The concave surface may help with gripping the head member 1384 during insertion and removal. The proximal end 1181 of the sleeve 1180 may include a shallow polygonal opening 1376 near the top face of the head member 1384. In one embodiment, the polygonal opening 1376 may have a hexagonal cross-section. The hexagonal opening 1376 may be in fluid communication with the cannulation 1184. The hexagonal opening 1376 may be used to constrain rotation between the tissue protection sleeve 1180 and a trocar 1245 or other instrument that passes through the sleeve 1180.

Turning now to FIGS. 53 and 54, in one embodiment, the distance from the center of each hole on the plate 300 to the bottom of each recess 1114 in the aiming guide 1102 may be constant. In other words, as best seen in FIG. 53, distances between aiming guide 1102 and the plate 300 (e.g., distances b1, b2, and b3) may all be equal distances. As best seen in FIG. 54, this results in a unique depth (e.g., depth d1, d2, d3, d4) of each recess cut 1114 in order to match the curvature of the lateral distal femur plate 300. For example, the depths may decrease as follows d1>d2>d3>d4. The depths may also increase or vary between adjacent holes 1110. This enables a fixed-length soft tissue sleeve 1180 to closely align with the plate 300 in any hole 1110.

Turning now to FIGS. 55A-55B, a kickstand sleeve 1400 is shown according to one embodiment. The kickstand sleeve 1400 may be used in any of the oblique kickstand holes 1124 in the aiming guide 1102. The kickstand tissue protection sleeve 1400 may include a tubular shaft 1402 defining a central through bore or cannulation 1404 and a handle 1406 extends radially from the proximal end of the shaft 1402. The handle 1406 may facilitate greater control and rotation of the kickstand tissue protection sleeve 1400 as it is inserted at an angle relative to the bone plate 300. As best seen in FIG. 55B, the proximal portion of the central cannulation 1404 of the kickstand sleeve 1400 may include a clearance diameter 1408 to accommodate a trocar 1245, drill sleeve 1200, or the like. The clearance diameter 1408 may be enlarged in diameter relative to the remainder of the cannulation 1404.

The oblique kickstand screw holes 1124 in the distal femur plate 300 allow for engagement of the strong bone on the medial condyle of the femur and promote stabilization of the construct through triangular, off-axis fixation. Providing a way to target the nominal axis of the kickstand holes 1124 through the guide 1102 allow an easier MIS approach to placing locking or non-locking screws in these oblique holes.

Turning now to FIGS. 56-61, a soft tissue trocar instrument 1245 is shown according to one embodiment. The trocar 1245 is configured to be received through the soft tissue and kickstand sleeves 1180, 1400. The trocar 1245 may be used to keep cannulations clear of tissue when inserting a cannulated instrument. As shown in FIG. 56, the trocar 1245 may include a body or shaft 1410 with a tip 1412 at its distal end and an enlarged grip base 1422 at its proximal end. The tip 1412 may include a sharp cone tip or spade tip, for example. Between the shaft 1410 and grip base 1422, the trocar 1245 may include a deformable retention tab 1414 to retain the trocar 1245 in the soft tissue sleeve 1180, 1400, an external hexagon 1416 for rotational control, a stepped shoulder 1418 to accommodate different tissue sleeve lengths, and/or a retention groove 1420 on the end of the enlarged base 1422 to engage with a removeable handle 1424. The deformable retention tab 1414 may be formed by one or more slits or relief cuts. The external hexagon 1416 may include any polygonal shaped configured to correspond with the opening 1376 in the tissue protection sleeve 1180. The enlarged grip base 1422 may include a cylindrical drum with concave faces configured to be easily gripped by a user. The retention groove 1420 may include a continuous or interrupted circumferential groove in the grip base 1422 near the proximal end of the trocar 1245.

With emphasis on FIG. 57, the trocar 1245 is receivable through the kickstand sleeve 1400. The shaft 1410 is positionable through the central cannulation 1404 of the sleeve 1400. The shoulder 1418 is receivable in the clearance diameter 1408 and the grip base 1422 bottoms out against the face 1407 of the handle 1406. The kickstand sleeve 1400 is longer than the soft tissue sleeve 1180, because the kickstand sleeve 1400 has to reach the plate 300 on an oblique angle. The clearance diameter 1408 in the kickstand sleeve 1400 allows the trocar 1245 to reach this further distance.

With emphasis on FIGS. 58 and 59, the trocar 1245 is receivable through the tissue protection sleeve 1180. The shaft 1410 is positionable through the central cannulation 1184 of the sleeve 1180. As best seen in FIG. 58, the shoulder 1418 of the trocar 1245 bottoms out when the shoulder 1418 contacts the proximal face 1181 of the head member 1384 of the sleeve 1180. The trocar 1245 stops at the stepped shoulder 1418 so that the cone tip 1412 is aligned at the end of the soft tissue sleeve 1180. When the trocar 1245 is inserted into the soft tissue sleeve 1180, the retention tab 1414 provides friction between the two components to keep them provisionally assembled. As best seen in FIG. 59, the hexagonal features 1376, 1416 or other interlocking configuration of the trocar 1245 and soft tissue sleeve 1180 may intermesh. The interlocking allows for the trocar 1245 and sleeve 1180 to lock in rotation to each other.

With emphasis on FIGS. 60 and 61, the removable handle 1424 can be connected to the trocar 1245 to aide with insertion. The handle 1424 may include a handle grip 1426 and an attachment ring 1428. The handle grip 1426 may include an ergonomic handle configured to be held by a user to maneuver the trocar 1245. The attachment ring 1428 may include a ring or collar with one or more drainage holes 1430 spaced around the periphery. The ring 1428 is configured to surround the base 1422 of the trocar 1245. The trocar handle 1424 interconnects and retains the trocar 1245 when inserted. As best seen in FIG. 61, a toroidal spring 1432 may be held captive in the handle 1424 to retain the handle 1424 to the trocar 1245. The spring 1432 compresses into a groove 1434 in the interior of the ring 1428 and retention groove 1420 in the base 1422, thereby keeping the components provisionally connected.

Turning now to FIG. 62, an example of the aiming guide system 1300 is shown for making the first connection through the aiming arm 1102 into the plate 300 at the furthest hole 1110 possible, which may be known as lock the box. The dotted lines in FIG. 62 represent the box that is formed by making this connection. The first connection may be via the attachment post 1140 at the distal end 1105 of the aiming guide arm 1102. The final connection made in this scenario may be between the drill sleeve 1200 and the plate 300 at the most proximal hole 1110 possible for the plate 300. The second connection in the box being at the proximal end 1103 of the aiming arm 1102. The lock the box step may help to improve the rigidity of the construct and ensure that future intermediary holes 1110 have enhanced targeting accuracy.

Turning now to FIG. 63A-63B, embodiments of connections between the drill sleeve 1200 and plate 300 are shown. The interface between the drill sleeve 1200 and openings 328 in the plate 300 may include a threaded connection. In one embodiment shown in FIG. 63A, the tip 1440 of the drill sleeve 1200 may have conical thread geometry 1442 identical to that of a polyaxial locking bone screw. The conical thread 1442 may be wider at the top and narrower toward the distal end. In this manner, the tip 1440 of the drill guide 1200 engages into the polyaxial geometry 1444 in the plate 300 in an identical manner as a screw. In an alternate embodiment shown in FIG. 63B, each plate hole 328 has separate halo threads 1446. The halo threads 1446 may include cylindrical machine threads positioned completely above the polyaxial geometry 1444. In this embodiment, the drill sleeve 1200 does not interlock with the polyaxial geometry 1444. Instead, the upper halo threads 1446 interface and the remainder of the tip 1440 of the drill sleeve 1200 rests within the polyaxial geometry 1444 of the hole 328.

With emphasis on FIGS. 64-66, steps of properly positioning the tissue protection sleeve 1180 into the aiming arm 1102 are depicted. FIGS. 64A-64B show the tissue protection sleeve 1180 and trocar 1245 not properly seated in the hole 1110 of the aiming arm 1102. As is evident, the tab 1382 on the sleeve 1180 is not aligned with the slot 1380 in the recess 1114 of the aiming hole 1110. A push and twist motion in the direction of the arrow may be provided by the user to fully seat the sleeve 1180 in the opening 1110. FIGS. 65A-65B show the tissue protection sleeve 1180 and trocar 1245 fully engaged and properly seated in the aiming arm 1102. The tab 1382 on the sleeve 1180 is fully seated in the slot 1380 of the aiming hole 1110. FIG. 66 shows the tissue protection sleeve 1180 fully and properly seated in the aiming arm 1102.

The combination of trocar handle 1424 and hexagonal interfaces 1376, 1416 on the trocar 1245 and soft tissue sleeves 1180 provide a streamlined procedure to insert tissue sleeves 1180 into the aiming arm 1102. These three components retain within each other and are easily manipulated as a group. Once an incision is made, inserting the soft tissue sleeve 1180 can be done with the push-and-twist motion to quickly find the proper sleeve orientation. The trocar 1245 can then be retracted leaving the soft tissue sleeve 1180 behind and properly engaged in the aiming arm 1102.

The aiming guide assembly allows passage of useful instrumentation for creating portals through soft tissue. These portals allow the passage of other implants and instrumentation that support a minimally invasive procedure. The aiming guide allows for improved lateral imaging and visualization of the fracture. Fracture lines are clearly visible in the metaphyseal region of the femur. Clear access to the distal holes in the head of the plate is maintained. The aiming guide also has fewer components and fewer total assembly steps, allowing for simpler operation and a more streamlined procedure.

One skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments discussed above are non-limiting. While bone plates may be described as suitable for a particular approach (e.g., medial or lateral), one skilled in the art will appreciate that the bone plates can be used for multiple approaches. In addition, while bone plates are described as having particular holes (e.g., locking or non-locking), one skilled in the art will appreciate that any of the bone plates can include locking, non-locking or a combination of locking and non-locking holes. In addition to the bone plates, screws and instruments described above, one skilled in the art will appreciate that these described features can be used with a number of trauma treatment instruments and implants, including external fixators, ring fixators, rods, and other plates and screws. It will also be appreciated that one or more features of one embodiment may be partially or fully incorporated into one or more other embodiments described herein. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of securing an aiming guide arm relative to a bone plate, the method comprising: positioning an instrument through a tissue protection sleeve, the instrument having a shaft with a tip at a distal end and an enlarged grip base at a proximal end; positioning the tissue protection sleeve through an aiming hole in the aiming guide arm, the aiming hole defining a recess encircling the hole with a slot, the tissue protection sleeve having a head member and a hollow body with a central cannulation and an outer tab; and rotating and pushing the tissue protection sleeve such that the outer tab is received into the slot in the aiming hole, thereby keying the tissue protection sleeve to the aiming arm.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the aiming hole defines a pair of slots oriented 180 degrees to each other, thereby permitting the tissue protection sleeve to be inserted in two orientations.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the head member of the tissue protection sleeve includes a polygonal opening, and the instrument includes an external polygon configured to mate with the polygonal opening, thereby constraining rotation between the tissue protection sleeve and the instrument.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the tissue protection sleeve includes a pivotal locking arm with a button for engaging and releasing a locking tab from an undercut in the aiming hole.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the tissue protection sleeve includes a collar positioned between the button and the locking tab, wherein the outer tab is positioned on the collar at a location opposite to the button.
 6. The method of claim 4, wherein when the tissue protection sleeve is inserted properly, an audible click indicates the pivotal locking arm elastically deforms and the locking tab snaps past the undercut in the aiming hole.
 7. The method of claim 6 further comprising removing the tissue protection sleeve by squeezing the button and head member together, temporarily elastically deforming the locking arm, releasing the locking tab from the undercut, and allowing the tissue protection sleeve to be pulled upward and free from the aiming arm.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein deformation of the locking arm and the button is bounded by one or more intentional mechanical stops.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the instrument includes a deformable retention tab to retain the instrument in the tissue protection sleeve, a stepped shoulder to accommodate different tissue sleeve lengths, and a retention groove on an end of the enlarged grip base to engage with a removeable handle.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the stepped shoulder of the instrument bottoms out when the shoulder contacts a proximal face of the head member of the tissue protection sleeve.
 11. A method of securing an aiming guide arm relative to a bone plate, the method comprising: securing an attachment post having a cylindrical boss to a distal region of the bone plate; positioning the cylindrical boss in a cylindrical opening at a distal end of the aiming guide arm; securing the attachment post to the aiming guide arm with a polyaxial nut assembly; positioning a tissue protection sleeve through an aiming hole at a proximal end of the aiming guide arm and into an opening at a proximal region of the bone plate, wherein the tissue protection sleeve is positioned at the most-proximal holes possible for both the aiming guide arm and the bone plate, and wherein the aiming guide arm, the attachment post, the bone plate, and the tissue protection sleeve form a lock the box construct configured to improve the rigidity and enhance targeting accuracy.
 12. The method of claim 11 further comprising, before securing the attachment post, reversing and orienting the aiming arm based on indicators on the aiming arm to match the handedness of the bone plate.
 13. The method of claim 11, wherein securing the attachment post to the bone plate includes positioning a plurality of ball end pins in respective indentations on a surface of the bone plate, thereby properly aligning the attachment post relative to the bone plate.
 14. The method of claim 11, wherein the attachment post is secured to the bone plate with a threaded shaft having a plurality of threads by positioning the threaded shaft through a cannulation of the attachment post and threadedly engaging an attachment screw hole in the bone plate.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein tension to the threaded shaft is created by tightening the polyaxial nut assembly providing for self-centering on the threaded shaft and matching of any angulation of the aiming guide.
 16. The method of claim 11, wherein the attachment post is configured to extend at an oblique angle with respect to the bone plate such that the attachment post and aiming arm do not overlie screw holes at a distal region of the bone plate.
 17. The method of claim 11, wherein the tissue protection sleeve includes a releasable locking tab, and when the locking tab engages an undercut in the aiming hole, the tissue protection sleeve is releasably secured to the aiming arm.
 18. A method of securing an aiming guide arm relative to a bone plate, the method comprising: threadably engaging a first end of a threaded shaft in an attachment screw hole in a bone plate such that the threaded shaft extends from the bone plate at an oblique angle; sliding an attachment post over the threaded shaft such that ball end pins extending from an attachment block on one end of the attachment post seat within indentations on the bone plate, the opposite end of the attachment post having a cylindrical boss; positioning the cylindrical boss into a cylindrical opening in the aiming guide arm; and securing a polyaxial nut assembly to a second end of the threaded shaft, thereby creating tension to the threaded shaft.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the polyaxial nut assembly includes a spherical nut with a shaft extending between a ball portion and a handle member, the spherical nut is received in a base, thereby providing self-centering and angular flexibility of the polyaxial nut assembly.
 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the cylindrical boss includes a central opening having a hole axis and the attachment post defines a central cannulation having a central cannulation axis, wherein the central cannulation axis and the cylindrical boss axis are not aligned such that the attachment post is on a non-normal axis relative to the aiming guide, thereby removing obstructions from a radiographic view of the bone plate. 